A sentencing for a former Sycamore High School teacher who had a sexual relationship with a student began Wednesday but was delayed until Friday after the judge said she needed more time.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Jody Luebbers did not explain further, but the delay was announced after Luebbers heard from the lead investigator who asked for leniency as well as the student who said she never “felt forced or coerced.”

Jennifer Walsh, the 27-year-old former teacher, pleaded guilty last month to gross sexual imposition and faces up to 18 months in prison.

The charges surround sex acts between Walsh and the female student, who police said was 17 years old, which happened between May and August of 2018.

In court Wednesday, the student told Luebbers that what happened “was willing, on both ends.”

“I know in my heart that I am completely in love with this woman, without a doubt,” she said.

Walsh, a special education teacher and girls junior varsity lacrosse coach, resigned in October 2018, three days after a report was made to Montgomery Police. Job and Family Services contacted police, documents say.

Walsh cried as the student spoke in court Wednesday.

Montgomery Police Detective Steve Hoy said the case was much different than the handful of others he’s investigated that involve relationships between students and teachers.

“This relationship, I believe, was actually real,” Hoy told Luebbers. “It will probably continue to be real.”

After Hoy, the student and then Walsh's mother spoke, Luebbers met with the prosecutor and Walsh's attorney in her chambers for nearly 15 minutes. When they emerged, Luebbers said she wasn't yet ready to impose a sentence.

"I just need…more time," she said.