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.
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