SPRINGFIELD (AP) — A former Springfield school teacher has admitted to having a sexual relationship with a student nearly three years ago.
 
Jennifer Tyree (Source: SCSO)
Jennifer Tyree
(Source: SCSO)

Former Lanphier High School teacher Jennifer Tyree pleaded guilty Friday in Sangamon County Circuit Court to a felony charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

As part of the plea deal, two felony sexual assault charges were dropped and the 38-year-old Tyree will receive a seven-year prison sentence.
 
Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser says “given the unique set of facts in the case,” the sentence is the right one.
 
Prosecutors alleged Tyree had sexual contact with a then-17-year-old student in September of 2012, and allegedly drove him to multiple counties including Rock Island County. Charges against Tyree are pending in Rock Island County.
Lawsuits filed by two Springfield students against Tyree allege inappropriate relationships started early in the 2012-13 school year.
Both of the alleged relationships lasted until Tyree was arrested in November 2012 after her husband alerted authorities.
The Springfield School District settled a lawsuit filed by one of the students for $100,000 in September 2013. A second lawsuit filed by the other boy is ongoing.

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