Highland Springs, VIRGINIA

Jan 29, 2007 -
James Meunier, 50, an earth science teacher at Highland Springs High School, has a May 2 trial date. He is accused of sex charges involving a 15-year old female student.

He was arrested in November.

GUILTY PLEA: May 2 - A day before his bench trial, Meunier pleaded guilty to to five counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship.. He is scheduled to be sentenced in August.

SENTENCED: August 9 - Former teacher of the year, James Meunier, was sentenced to ten years, 8 years suspended, and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Meunier twice had sexual contact with the girl on school grounds. Meunier apologized for his behavior, which he noted had destroyed his career. He was named a master teacher in 1994 and was the high school's athletic trainer. He had been at Highland Springs since 1997 and had taught earth science for about 25 years.

He is married with three children.