Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Teen Sex Abuse

CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) — A former band teacher in Marion County has pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl in Floyd County.

Court records say 32-year-old Benjamin Thompson entered the plea Monday. Prosecutors say he had a sexual relationship with the Charles City girl in May and July of 2011. His sentencing is set for March 28.

In Marion County, Thompson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee. His next hearing there is set for April 5. He was assistant band director at Pella High School.