Santee
A Santana High School teacher pleaded guilty Friday to sodomy with a 17-year-old student from another school district.
Donald Bender, 56, of Lemon Grove, could receive three years in state prison and a $10,000 fine when he is sentenced July 16.
San Diego Municipal Judge Herbert Exarhos dismissed other charges against Bender.
Bender, who taught history at the Santee school, now is on a compulsory leave of absence without pay. Now that he has a felony conviction, he may be fired.
The judge told Bender he is eligible for probation and could serve as long as a year in County Jail if placed on probation. He also will be required to register as a sex offender in whatever county he resides.
He remains free on his own recognizance on condition that he have no contact with the victim.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
