By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - A 41-year-old former Amelia High School teacher pleaded guilty Monday to charges that he used his position of authority to engage in sexual conduct with students.

Jeffrey C. Sears had initially been charged with four counts of sexual battery, but in a deal with prosecutors, two of those charges were dismissed. The original counts involved three female students who at the time of the incidents were ages 17 and 18.

Clermont County Assistant Prosecutor Woody Breyer told Common Pleas Judge Robert Ringland Monday that the victims approved the plea deal.

The former English teacher and coach will be sentenced next month and could face three years in prison.

Mr. Sears admitted that during the 1997-98 school year he had sex at his home with two female students.

Mr. Sears, who told the judge he was completing postgraduate work for a master's degree in English, will be classified as a sexual predator. Once he is released from prison, Mr. Sears must report to officials every three months for the remainder of his life.

Mr. Sears' former roommate and former co-worker, Gregory Payne, 29, is scheduled to appear today before Judge Ringland on two counts of sexual battery. The Bloomington, Ind., man was a math teacher at Amelia High School.

He is accused of similar charges.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com