Ex-Middletown schools employee sentenced

Prier gave a tearful statement before sentencing, as his pastor the Rev. Greg Tyus, his family and community supporters looked on.

“I take full responsibility over my actions in what has happened. I am so very sorry to my family, my church family and mostly to God,” Prier said. “I am really sorry for my actions.”

He was taken away in handcuffs to the Butler County Jail where he will actually serve 86 days after receiving credit for four days already served when he was arrested in August.

Prier was also classified as a Tier III sex offender, which means he will have to register with the county sheriff’s department where he resides every 90 days for the rest of his life.

Tyus, pastor of United Missionary Baptist Church and vice-president of the Middletown Board of Education, asked the judge to consider only community control for Prier.

“He needs intense counseling work, not incarceration,” Tyus said.

Defense attorney Charles McKinney told the judge Prier has no previous criminal record and has strong family and community support.

Pater said he received and read 61 letters penned by community members in support of Prier. The judge also acknowledged Prier’s honesty with police about the crime.

Middletown police began investigating Prier on Aug. 22 after a 17-year-old male student at Middletown High School said Prier had made advances toward him via Facebook. The allegation was reported to school administrators and then to police.

Prier admitted during an interview with investigators to having sexual contact two years ago with an 18-year-old former student, according to police. There were not charges filed in connection with the 17-year-old.

“It is only by Mr. Prier’s honesty that he stands before me,” the judge said.

But Pater also found Prier had violated the public trust as a school employee who chose students as victims.

Prier was a school employee and “pursued his own sexual desires in that setting,” said Pater.

The judge added, “just to allow you to walk today would not be sufficient.”

McKinney said after the sentencing that he is convinced Prier is a good person and with counseling, as well as strong family and community support, will move forward to live a positive life.