Former Assistant Principal Sentenced For Sex With Student

KALAMAZOO (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A former Kalamazoo assistant principal has received jail time for having sexual activity with a student. James Lighthizer pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct back in June.

Monday the judge sentenced him to one year in the county jail. The former Kalamazoo Middle School Assistant Principal will have to continue sex offender counseling and is not allowed to have contact with anyone under 18. The only exception is blood relatives, but even then a supervisor above 21 years of age has to be present.

The victim, who is nineteen now, had this to say about the sentencing. "It definitely helps almost put an end to everything, it's not going to be an end though." He also said, "it was definitely embarrassing, it was really hard to even say anything. I just didn't want this to happen to anyone else, that why I came forward."

Monday the victim said he met Lighthizer in 2002 while attending Milwood Middle School, which is now Milwood Magnet School.

Lighthizer was the victim's shop teacher at the time. The victim says the abuse started when he turned fifteen and continued for two years.

As part of the sentencing Lighthizer will also remain on probation for five years. The probation officer will have access to Lighthizer's computer and electronic devices. He is not allowed to contact the victim.