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Sioux Falls Teacher Pleads Guilty In Sexual Contact Case

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A former Sioux Falls middle school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual contact with a child younger than 16.

Thirty-three-year-old Tonya Drueppel was charged in a five-count indictment in February 2014. Authorities say Drueppel developed a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl between September 2012 and January 2014.

Drueppel was originally facing three fourth-degree rape charges. Those were dropped as a result of her plea agreement.

Drueppel worked for the Sioux Falls School District between 2009 and 2013. She was a teacher at Axtell Park Middle School teacher.

She faces up to 30 years in prison for the charges she pleaded to on Friday.