PRINCETON, W.Va. — Former PikeView High School teacher Jonathan Kirk was sentenced Monday to 30-40 years in prison for his conduct with a dozen girls at the school that began in 2010.
Kirk, 34, of Walton, pleaded guilty in July to five counts of distribution of obscene material, two counts of sexual abuse by a guardian and one count of solicitation by a computer. Police said Kirk inappropriately touched the girls, sought sexual favors, had sexual communications with them and showed explicit photos of himself.
Mercer County Circuit Judge William Sadler sentenced Kirk to 30-40 years in prison. He’ll have a chance for parole in 15 years. The judge ordered 15 years probation once Kirk is released.
Prosecutors said the plea was better than a trial because the girls did not have to testify.