Nationwide — John Rose, a former middle school teacher from Bedford County, Virginia, was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing a student. He will also serve seven years of probation after his release.
Rose pleaded guilty to six counts of taking indecent liberties with a student in a custodial relationship and two counts of carnal knowledge. The crimes occurred while he taught middle school history in Rockingham County and later worked in Bedford County, according to Local 12 News.
Prosecutors said Rose first met the student while teaching in Rockingham County. The abuse continued after he moved to Bedford County. Authorities reported that he brought the student to his home multiple times between August 2023 and early 2024. Investigators confirmed the victim’s story with evidence from Rose’s cellphone and residence.
The charges correspond to the student’s age at the time. Carnal knowledge charges apply to when the student was 14, while indecent liberties charges relate to when she was 15. Prosecutors noted that Rose could have faced up to 50 years in prison.
During sentencing in Bedford County Circuit Court, Rose received 20 years in prison, with all but six years suspended. Following his prison term, he will serve seven years of probation.