By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - The trial of a former Amelia High School teacher, accused of engaging in sexual conduct with underage students, could begin today in Clermont County court.

Jeffrey C. Sears, 41, was indicted in May on four counts of sexual battery.

Each count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Prosecutors contend Mr. Sears was sexually involved with three female high school students, ages 17 and 18.

Officials said the incidents occurred during the 1997-1998 school year.

Mr. Sears, who no longer works for the high school, served for nearly 20 years as an English teacher and also coached the school's wrestling and baseball teams.

The trial is scheduled to take place before Common Pleas Judge Robert Ringland.

In 2001, Mr. Sears was arrested on a similar charge, but that count of sexual battery had to be dismissed because of a technical problem with the indictment, officials said.

His one-time roommate, Gregory Payne, 29, who also taught at Amelia High School, has also been indicted on two counts of sexual battery for allegedly having sex with a female student during the 1997-1998 school year.

Mr. Payne is scheduled to appear before Judge Ringland Tuesday on his charges, according to court records.

Prosecutors allege the two men held parties at the apartment they shared and had sex with some of the students who attended.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com