E. Idaho teacher sentenced for lewd conduct

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) - An Idaho middle school teacher who pleaded guilty to two felony counts of lewd conduct with a 14-year-old student has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Twenty-eight-year-old Kari Jo Atkinson was sentenced Thursday in 7th District Court and must spend at least two years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.

The Post Register reports that the former Sandcreek Middle School teacher asked for probation so she could continue counseling and remain with her family and two daughters, ages 4 and 6.

But in deciding on the sentence, Judge Jon S. Shindurling said teachers had a special responsibility to protect children.

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Information from: Post Register, http://www.postregister.com