Local News in Brief : San Clemente : Teacher Gets 8 Months on Delinquency Charge

A former San Clemente High School drama teacher was sentenced this week to eight months in jail for contributing to the delinquency of a former female student.

William Gekas, who resigned his teaching post after he was convicted on the charges in March, has contended that he did nothing wrong. But Orange County Municipal Judge Edward L. Laird ruled that Gekas had abused his authority.

Laird said during sentencing Thursday in Santa Ana that Gekas not only lied during his own testimony but also encouraged other defense witnesses to lie.

Gekas was allowed to remain free while his attorney, Paul J. Wallin, appealed the sentence. Wallin expressed certainty that they would win on appeal. Gekas “will never have to do a day,” Wallin said.

Gekas, 41, was convicted of five misdemeanor counts involving a former 17-year-old student, including three counts of keeping her out past curfew, one count of encouraging her to disobey her mother and one count of giving her champagne at a local theater.

The young woman, now 19, refused to testify against Gekas and denied any improper conduct between them. In addition, the school district’s superintendent, Jerome Thornsley, testified that he considered Gekas an excellent teacher who no longer posed a threat.

But Laird said he could not overlook Gekas’ lengthy relationship with the girl.

“When trust is broken, the person who breaks that trust must be punished,” Laird said. “We have to send a message to the community.”