Cedar Rapids, IOWA

Feb 7, 2008 - Marc Hammes, 34, a drama director at Kennedy High School, who admitted stealing money from the Thespa drama club, pleaded guilty to third-degree theft Friday in a negotiated plea that reduced his original first-degree theft charge down to third-degree.

He was sentenced to a deferred judgement and two years' probation. (His conviction will erased from his record if at the conclusion of his probation he has no additional charges brought against him and he repays the money.)

He resigned in May 2007 at the district's request and no longer has a valid teaching license in Iowa.