FOND DU LAC - Former Ripon teacher Samantha Marco, formerly Fitzpatrick, was sentenced to three years probation Monday in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court for the sexual assault of a 17-year-old student.

Judge Gary Sharpe sentenced Marco, formerly of Oshkosh, to three years of probation, according to court records, after she pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a student in November. Previous charges of child enticement, exposure of a child to harmful material and resisting or obstructing a police officer were dismissed with the plea deal.

She was also given six months imposed and stayed, which can be used if she violates any terms of treatment or counseling recommendations, and must register as a sex offender, according to court records.

In spring 2017, the Ripon Police Department learned of an inappropriate relationship between Marco and a student through a third party. Marco worked at the school in the 2016-2017 school year, during which the relationship took place. The relationship started when the student was 16 and continued until the age of 17, according to court documents.

RELATED:Former Ripon High School teacher pleads guilty to sexual assault of 17-year-old student

RELATED:Former Ripon High School teacher accused of sexual relationship with 17-year-old student

Another teacher noticed a particular male student in Marco's classroom frequently and that Marco's would talk to him during class, rather than teaching, according to court documents. She also noticed the two would be absent or late to school on the same days.

A friend of the student told investigators the student and Marco “engaged in a sexual relationship” at her home and at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Ripon. Investigators also found Marco rented a room at the Welcome Inn Hotel, which she later said was because the student was high on marijuana.

Investigators found 67 calls and numerous deleted text messages between the two and many Facebook messages, including those of a “sexually graphic nature,” according to court documents. The messages also included discussions of role-playing, performing sexual acts and alluded to previous sexual encounters. Graphic images were also sent, along with statements of love.

Both Marco and the student told investigators they did not have a physical or otherwise inappropriate relationship.

In May 2017, Ripon Area School Superintendent Mary Whitrock sent a letter to parents of high school students, stating Marco voluntarily resigned after unreliable attendance issues. In December, prosecutors filed charges, and the school district sent another letter, this time to all parents, to inform them on the matter, stating the district would not comment further as to not "hinder" the investigation.