School Tutor Who Had Sex With Student Could Get New Sentence

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- A tutor at a Grand Rapids Catholic school imprisoned for having sex with a 15-year-old boy she was teaching could get a different sentence.

The Michigan Court of Appeals on Friday upheld Abigail Simon's January 2015 prison sentence of eight to 25 years. But the panel ruled a lower court judge must determine if the information used in crafting Simon's sentence was appropriate, citing subsequent Supreme Court decisions.

Kent County Circuit Judge Paul Sullivan's sentencing guidelines were based on allegations the student suffered psychological injuries and Simon interfered with the administration of justice.

Simon acknowledged having sex with the Catholic Central High School student she was tutoring in 2013 but says he physically and mentally intimidated her.

A jury in late 2014 convicted her of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.