Rawlins Ex-Teacher Sentenced in Child Sex Abuse Case

RAWLINS, Wyo. (AP) — A former Rawlins Middle School teacher found guilty of sexually assaulting two girls has been ordered to serve at least 36 years behind bars.

Jonathon Moser was sentenced Tuesday after being convicted of several counts of sexual abuse of a minor. He received a concurrent 16-to-20-year prison sentence and another consecutive sentence of 20 to 35 years.

Moser had been a special education teacher and girls volleyball coach at the Rawlins school from 2014 to 2015.

Prosecutor Dawnessa Snyder says Moser used his power of authority over the students for the purposes of "his own sexual pleasure." Snyder says he had sex with a student in his classroom.

Moser's attorney had questioned the victims' credibility and said his client deserved a shorter sentence.