ALLEGAN, Mich. — The former Aquatics Director for Allegan Public Schools will spend at least the next seven years in prison after pleading guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct involving a student.
Scott Simmons was sentenced Monday in Allegan Circuit Court to serve between 85 months and 15 years in prison for his actions. He will get credit for 43 days already served in jail.
"I am very sorry, your honor, for everything, the pain I've caused," Simmons told Judge Matthew Antkoviak during his sentencing Monday.
Back in March, Scott Simmons pleaded guilty to three charges of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a student.
"This is a very tragic case," Judge Antkoviak said in the court room.
Investigators say the victim was between the ages of 16 and 17. Simmons admitted to using his relationship as the child's aquatic director to establish a relationship. He also admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the victim.
Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney Myrene Koch spoke after Simmons was sentenced, saying she hopes this prevents any other victims moving forward.
"We need to put a stop to circumstances like this, of people who violate trust in school systems and of students and of their parents," Koch told reporters.
"So, by handling a case such as this and handling it with very swift and severe consequences, we think it is important to send that message to anyone else who may be involved in circumstances like this or other actions like this," she said.
"The children in our communities need to be protected and that's our job as adults to do that, to make sure they are safe and secure and don't have to deal with circumstances like this growing up," Koch said.
She also said the victim in this case, who is a minor, felt the sentence was fair—but has a long road to recovery.
"What I shared with her, though, that I believe that it was very strong of her to be able to come into court and give her statement today. And sometimes we see with victims on cases like this, that is the first step in their healing process," she said.
Simmons was fired from his position at the school back in October of last year when the school was made aware of the charges being filed against him. He will have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
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