NEW ALBANY, Miss. (AP, abc24.com) - A former Ripley High School teacher has pleaded guilty in Union County to one count of sexual battery on a minor, in connection with an improper relationship with a former student.
Circuit Judge Robert Elliott sentenced Melissa Mathis Wednesday to 15 years, with the first year to be served on house arrest and the balance of the sentence suspended.
Following her release from house arrest, she will be placed on five years post-release supervision. District Attorney Ben Creekmore tells the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal Mathis must register as a sex offender.
Mathis had been free on bond after being charged with two counts of sexual battery earlier this month. The second charge was dismissed in connection with her guilty plea. She resigned her job before she was arrested.
---
Information from: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal,
http://djournal.com
