BURLEY -- A former Burley High School teacher has been sentenced to up to 12 years in prison for having a sexual relationship with an underage student.
Chad Burnett pleaded guilty in June to two counts of sexual battery against a minor child and violating a no-contact order.
The Times-News reports that the 28-year-old former teacher also was ordered to pay restitution and a $5,000 civil penalty to the 17-year-old girl.
Burnett told the judge at the sentencing Tuesday that he has lost his career, his wife and custody of his daughter.
He apologized to his victim, her family, his family and the community.
Prosecutors say Burnett groomed the victim starting when she was 14 and manipulated her once he forged a relationship with her.
The girl's mother says the victim is a mess and will need a lot of help.
