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Former Teacher Gets Prison For Molesting Students

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (STMW) - A former Lake Zurich High School teacher was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing two students.

Ronald Culver, 52, of Inverness, pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse and aggravated criminal sexual abuse for molesting two students while he taught drama and English at Lake Zurich.

Judge Daniel Shanes then sentenced him to prison under the terms of Culver's plea agreement with prosecutors.

"It is the job of the court to punish the offender and protect the community. This sentence, I believe, accomplishes both," Shanes said.

Culver was also ordered to pay $500 restitution to each of the two victims. He must submit a DNA sample and complete sex offender treatment.

Culver was charged in November and resigned from the school after the allegations were made public. The age and gender of his victims was not disclosed.

Accepting the plea deal meant the victims did not have to testify in court, Shanes told Culver.

"That is also a factor in your favor," Shanes said.

Culver was taken into custody after his hearing. He had been free on bond.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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