Ex-teacher sentenced to prison in sex case involving student

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ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (AP) — A former southwestern Michigan high school teacher and soccer coach who authorities say had an inappropriate relationship with a student has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

The Herald-Palladium reports (http://bit.ly/1LtL2dG) 26-year-old Lauren Hill of St. Joseph was ordered Friday to 4-15 years in prison. She pleaded guilty in May to two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Hill says her regrets "echo off concrete walls," and "to know I'm at fault for this is truly devastating." Berrien County Trial Judge Gary Bruce told her that her apology was sincere, but "your victim was a child" and "you manipulated her and exploited her vulnerability."

She will be eligible for parole after 4 years but must register as a sex offender for 25 years after release.

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Information from: The Herald-Palladium, http://www.heraldpalladium.com