A former Guthrie school employee began serving a one year jail sentence inside the Logan County on Thursday after pleading no contest to the charge of rape in the second degree.
Byron “BJ” McDonald was arrested in September 2015 after investigators determined he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.
With his attorney (Cheryl Ramsey) by his side, McDonald entered a no plea contest and was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections with all but one year suspended on condition of good behavior to be served in the Logan County jail.
No contest (nolo contendere) is a plea by which a defendant accepts conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered, but does not admit guilt.
In addition to several fines and fees, McDonald is ordered to register as a sex offender.
Following the court hearing, McDonald was immediately taken to the jail.
Related article: Court papers: Former school employee admits to having sex with student
Related story: GHS staff member arrested for second degree rape
McDonald served as an assistant boys’ basketball coach and worked as a paraprofessional in the in‐school suspension program at the high school. He was immediately terminated after the school received the details of the allegations.
In the probable cause affidavit, McDonald understood and signed a Miranda Advice of Rights form and told investigators that he had been talking to the female on social media for a long time and was aware that she was 15-years-old.
Both McDonald and the juvenile said their conversations often turned to sexual topics. The student said McDonald went to her home on at least three occasions and on the third trip committed sexual acts.
I hope he has to register as a Sex Offender for life.