As her trial was set to begin Monday, a former Marysville High School English teacher pleaded guilty to having an illegal sexual relationship with a student. Stacy L. McConoughey, 36, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual battery, each punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

As her trial was set to begin Monday, a former Marysville High School English teacher pleaded guilty to having an illegal sexual relationship with a student.



Stacy L. McConoughey, 36, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual battery, each punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She and prosecutors will present their sides during a sentencing hearing on May 16 before Union County Common Pleas Court Judge Don Fraser.



"I'm hoping that the judge imposes a sentence that is consistent with her history, character and condition," said Sam Shamansky, McConoughey's attorney. "When there's no plea agreement to be had, you take your best shot at sentencing."



McConoughey, a teacher in the district since 2001, was indicted in June. She was suspended with pay on May 14 after an 18-year-old male student told his guidance counselor that they had had a months-long relationship. It is illegal for teachers to have sexual relationships with students regardless of their age.



"She crossed a legal line ... and doesn't blame anyone but herself," said Shamansky, who described the "huge impact" on her after losing her teaching license and career.



In addition to possible jail, she faces classification as a Tier 3 sex offender, requiring her to register monthly with a local sheriff for the rest of her life.



The four incidents occurred between October 2014 and May, and two were on school grounds, authorities said.



Shamansky had said these types of cases �are difficult to resolve because of the alleged nature of the relationship between the participants."



But David Phillips, Union County prosecutor, said there was ample evidence, including Snapchat photographs and emails that corroborated the student's story.



The student, who has since graduated, confided "personal issues" to McConoughey after class and the relationship developed into a sexual one, according to a bill of particulars filed with the court.



He went to his counselor with concerns that "the relationship was getting too close (on her part)," said Phillips.



Phillips said that the victim, even though male, has suffered socially and from embarrassment.



"The law applies regardless of gender," said Phillips.