FAYETTEVILLE — A former Elkins High School teacher has been convicted of having sex with an 18-year-old student and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The Northwest Arkansas Times reports that a Washington County Circuit Court jury found 37-year-old David Paschal guilty on Tuesday of second-degree sexual assault and of bribing a witness.
Authorities say the relationship was consensual — but violates state law that prohibits sex between a teacher and a student younger than 21. Authorities say the girl reported the relationship after learning that Paschal had expressed interest in another girl.
On the bribery charge — Paschal was convicted of telling a student he would give the 18-year-old girl several thousand dollars if she dropped the charges.
Paschal taught history and psychology. He was fired in May.