Former South Central Teacher Gets Probation for Pornographic Messages

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Published on August 2 2017 3:00 pm
Last Updated on August 2 2017 3:00 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

A former teacher at South Central High School has been placed on probation after pleading guilty to manufacturing harmful materials. 

36-year-old Sian Kuester of Salem admitted to sending naked photos of herself and a video of a sexual act to one of her former students. The boy was under age 18. The incidents occurred at various times during 2016.

Kuester had been suspended without pay by the South Central Board of Education after she reportedly refused to stop texting the boy when ordered by school officials to do so.

South Central Superintendent Kerry Herdes said at the time that after receiving findings from an investigation by the Marion County Sheriff's Department, Kuester was placed on administrative leave. She later resigned her position in January of this year.

Marion County State's Attorney Matt Wilzbach said at the time there is no indication anything happened between the two other than the text messages. Wilzbach also said the investigation didn't turn up any other student was involved.

Judge Martin Siemer Wednesday placed Kuester on 30 months' probation. That could 180 days in jail if Kuester doesn't successfully complete other conditions of her sentence. She must undergo mental health evaluation and treatment, take prescribed mediacation, and have no contact with anyone under age 18 except her children until released by her probation officer. She must also pay fines and costs.