Story Published:
Apr 4, 2008 at 5:13 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 4, 2008 at 7:25 PM CDT
A former Unit Five teacher has been sentenced to 48 years in prison on eight counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of young girls.
Jon White's sentencing comes after two days of emotional testimony in a Champaign County Courtroom.
White, who had been free on bond, was taken into custody after Judge Harry Clem passed the sentence. White's sentencing came after Judge Clem heard testimony that White was a "moderate to severe" risk to commit additional sexual crimes.
That opinion from a clinical therapist who works exclusively with sex offenders. The therapist said White showed "a progressive pattern of sexual deviance".
White apologized in court, to his family, his victims, and to school officials in Normal and Urbana. The Champaign County prosecutor had requested the maximum of 56 years in prison, but said she was satisfied with the sentence.
White still must be sentenced in McLean County, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sexual abuse involving students at Unit Five's Colleen Hoose School.
That sentencing is set for April 28.
