Story Published:
Feb 20, 2008 at 11:34 AM CST
Story Updated:
Feb 20, 2008 at 10:45 PM CST
A former Unit 5 teacher pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sexual abuse this afternoon in McLean County.
Jon White's court appearance came just hours after he pleaded guilty to eight counts of criminal sexual abuse in Champaign County, where he last taught.
Emotions were running high even before this afternoon's hearing in McLean County.
News 25's Jenny Li was talking to one of the victim's mother off camera outside of the courtroom when Jon White's mother interrupted their conversation and started calling the victim's mother names.
It was an intense verbal confrontation that was escalating when Jon White arrived with his attorney and it then quickly ended.
Jon White listened, occasionally shook his head, and repeatedly looked at his attoney in courtr as McLean County Assistant State's Attorney Kim Campbell read a victim's graphic account of playing a "taste test" game with 27–year–old White.
"White told the girls the game required them to lick different flavors off of what White told them was a banana. This child advised some of the flavors she tasted were fudge caramel and strawberry. This child indicated that after the flavors were licked off it did not taste or feel like a banana," said Campbell.
White's attorney said in court that the defense does not agree with all of the testimony, but that it satisfies the elements of proof.
White's pleas also keeps the victims and their families from having to go through a trial.
Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz said, "I think they were relieved that we don't have to come back to court, that their children don't have to come back to court."
It's possible White will serve his sentences in both counties consecutively.
He is currently free on bond.
Jon White will be sentenced in McLean county on April 28th and 29th.
That follows his sentencing in Champaign County on April 3rd and 4th.