MARSHALL COUNTY– A former Sardis Middle School teacher will serve 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a sex act with a student.
William Brock, 44, entered the guilty plea Monday, Oct. 26, as he awaited trial. He pleaded guilty to Teacher Engaged in a Sex Act with a Student. Circuit Judge Chris Abel then imposed the maximum sentence, according to the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office.
The office said an investigation revealed Brock engaged in sexual acts with a 14-year-old student. The student attended his eighth-grade class at Sardis Middle School.
District Attorney Jennifer Bray prosecuted the case. Meanwhile, Boaz Police Department Chief Investigator Doug Ware led the investigation. The Child Advocacy Center of Marshall County and Marshall County DHR also assisted.
During sentencing, a representative read a statement on the victim’s behalf describing the lasting impact on her life. The statement also described how Brock exploited the trust she placed in him as her teacher.
Before the judge pronounced the sentence, Brock acknowledged the harm he had caused. He also apologized to the victim and expressed remorse.
“I do hope you can heal from this,” Brock said.
According to the district attorney’s office, the offense is a Class B felony carrying two to 20 years in prison. After completing his sentence, Brock must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, the office said.
Following sentencing, Bray emphasized the betrayal of trust and praised the victim’s courage. However, she acknowledged that no prison sentence could undo the harm.
Bray said she hoped the outcome would bring the victim some measure of justice and help her move forward. She also emphasized that the abuse does not define the victim or her future.
You must be logged in to post a comment.