February 19, 2008

LAURENS, S.C.---A former middle school teacher has been sent to prison for six years for having sex with five teenage boys.

Allenna Ward, 24, was sentenced Tuesday. Earlier, she pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and three lewd acts on a minor.

In court, she appeared remorseful and tearfully asked the community to forgive her. Her father, a minister, also asked the court for forgiveness.

Several of the victims' families were at the sentencing, but did not speak.

Arrest warrants said Ward met the 14 and 15 year old boys at the school where she taught, as well as at a motel, a park, and behind a restaurant.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.