Former Sacred Hearts Teacher Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison

KITV
March 12, 2015

http://www.kitv.com/news/former-sacred-hearts-teacher-sentenced-to-1-year-in-prison/31744524

[with video]

One year in prison. That's how much time a former Sacred Hearts Academy teacher will spend behind bars for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student.

"Teachers are not supposed to tell their students don't tell anyone about this or I will get in trouble. Mr. Plourde did. You are not supposed to manipulate the students into doing something wrong. But, Mr. Plourde did," said the sexual assault victim in court on Wednesday.

With tears streaming down her face and hands shaking the victim, a teenage student, begged Judge Glenn Kim to send her former teacher to prison.

"I suffer with days that I questioned my life. Days that I cried and cried. Days that I would have outbreaks of anger and hate. As much as I suffered, he should suffer behind bars as well," said the victim.

William Plourde pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault. He committed the crimes in his car and in his classroom. The victim was only 15 years old at the time.

"I'm so sorry. I apologize to the Sacred Hearts Academy community. I caused damage to your reputation and I am sorry," said Plourde.

The former teacher apologized to the victim and her family, but the teen's mom answered with an emotional plea for the judge.

"My daughter and us now have to live with the horrible experience for the rest of our lives. Please don't let him get away with the crime he committed that he pleaded guilty to," said the victim's mother.

In the end, Judge Kim sentenced the former teacher to one year behind bars and five years on probation.

"Well, we're disappointed in that he didn't get an open 10 year term in prison that we were asking for and felt was appropriate," said prosecutor Kristen Yamamoto.

"We did extend a plea deal in this case and that was approved by the family. It was discussed with the family and it was to alleviate the trauma and stress and inability for her to move on with her life," said Yamamoto.

Plourde was a teacher at Sacred Hearts for 29 years. He will never be able to teach again and must now register as a sex offender.

The victim is now a senior in school.