El Paso, TEXAS

48 months in prison, followed by 10 years of probation. Registration as a sex offender for life.

March 20, 2008 -
Eduardo Rivas, 55, a fifth-grade teacher at Bliss Elementary School, was arrested, accused of fondling a student, according to the FBI.

Rivas had recently resigned from the school that is on federal property making it a case for the FBI. The incident allegedly took place on campus. The student, whose gender was not revealed, was younger than 12.

Rivas was arrested on a charge of abusive sexual contact with a minor. He will have his initial court appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge on Thursday afternoon.

TT - School is listed as Bliss Elementary School at the El Paso ISD.

Anyone with information on this case may call the FBI at 832-5000.

March 20 - The El Paso Times is reporting that the criminal complaint stated that Rivas admitted to FBI and military investigators that he fantasized about children and that he intentionally brushed up against female students since he began teaching in 1978-79.

According to a criminal complaint filed by an FBI agent, Rivas alleged touched the breasts of 10-year-old girl, while helping her on March 7 when she hurt her ankle at Bliss Elementary School on Fort Bliss.

BOND April 1 - Despite prosecution's efforts to hold Rivas without bond because they consider him a flight risk, U.S. Magistrate Richard P. Mesa signed an order on Monday granting Eduardo Rayo Rivas, 55, a $10,000 bond.

Conditions of Release (from KVIA ABC)

GUILTY PLEA & SENTENCING Oct 9 - Rivas pleaded guilty earlier this year to inappropriately touching a 10-year-old girl in his 5th grade class at Bliss Elementary.

Judge David Briones sentenced Rivas to 48 months in prison, plus 10 years probation, adding "I wish I could give you a higher sentence Mr. Rivas, but I can't." Forty-eight months was the maximum confinement time.

Rivas will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Rivas is still certified to teach in Texas, and has been for 30 years, although he is currently under review from the State Board of Education. Rivas has taught at at least three other schools before teaching at Bliss.