Probation for former teacher for sex with student
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A former high school English teacher in Elk River was sentenced to five years probation for a sexual relationship with a student who said she never wanted him prosecuted.
Matthew Ellsworth, 36, of St. Paul admitted having the relationship with a girl who was 17 at the time. At his sentencing Wednesday in Ramsey County on a criminal sexual conduct charge, he said he and the girl “could not help falling in love.”
Judge Gary Bastian ordered Ellsworth to register as a predatory offender for at least 10 years. But he also dismissed a no-contact order between Ellsworth and his former student.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Ellsworth and the girl, now 18, hugged in the courtroom after the hearing.
