HOUSTON – A jury has sentenced a former Jack Yates High School teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student to 15 years in prison.
De Sergio Geterus Parrish was found guilty Wednesday of one count of improper relationship with a student. The jury began deliberating punishment on Wednesday afternoon after the three-day trial wrapped up. Jurors handed down the sentence Thursday afternoon.
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Investigators say the 31-year-old former history teacher and a 16-year-old girl had sex on more than one occasion.
According to court documents, the girl told investigators that a sexual relationship between her and Parrish began when he gave her a ride home during her 10th-grade year in January 2012. She said Parrish followed her into her bedroom, where the two had sex.
The girl also said the two had sex several times at her home and his home. Their relationship, the girl said, ended in October 2013.
During a police interview, detectives said Parrish denied the allegations, but later admitted to sexual acts with the girl.
Investigators said Parrish told them that he realized his actions were wrong and that he had made a mistake.
Parrish left the school in December 2013 after allegations surfaced and was arrested the following March.