Teacher admits sex with teenage girl

DAYTON, Ohio, May 13 (UPI) -- A former Ohio State football star turned teacher and coach is free on bail pending sentencing after admitting in court he had sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Jason Simmons, 37, pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of sexual battery, the Dayton Daily News reported. A judge allowed him to remain free on bail until his sentencing, scheduled for June 19.

Simmons was suspended from his job at Northmont Middle School pending the outcome of the charges against him. He faces up to five years in prison on each count, the permanent loss of his teacher's license and registration as a sex offender.

Montgomery County Prosecutor Mathias H. Heck Jr. said Simmons and the girl began having a sexual relationship after a school trip to Washington in 2007.

"This defendant's actions are especially disturbing because, as parents, we entrust our children to teachers," Heck said. "This defendant, a popular teacher and coach, violated that trust and victimized a student."

Simmons was a special needs teacher at the middle school and coached football and track at Northmont High School.