Former Miami teacher pleads guilty to child sexual abuse charges

TULSA, Oklahoma – A former Miami teacher pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to six counts of sexually abusing a 14-year-old student.

Ronald Dale Sanders, 56, of Belton, Missouri, wearing blue prison garb and sitting handcuffed before federal judge Sara Hill, confessed to traveling to Welch between August and October 2023 to have illicit sexual contact with a Miami student he met while teaching at Miami High School.

According to Wednesday’s testimony, Sanders also admitted that he encouraged the victim to “deny, deny, deny” everything that had happened between the two.

Former Miami teacher charged with sex with former student

According to court documents, there were 32,000 text messages between the teen and Sanders.

Sanders has taught at 12 schools in Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and New Mexico since 2000.

Did four public schools “pass garbage” because a former Miami teacher was accused of sexually abusing a student?

Sanders kept his head bowed as Hill read all six charges:

• Transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity

• Sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country

• Abusive sexual contact with a minor in an Indian country

• Manipulation of evidence through corrupt persuasion

• Coercion and enticement of a minor

• Production of child pornography

Before entering his guilty plea, he said he was taking medication for depression, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

As part of his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek a total of more than 35 years in prison on all six counts. In addition, the parties agreed that the sentences could run concurrently and that Sanders would be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Judge Hill asked Sanders if he understood that she did not have to abide by the agreement and that his sentence could be longer. Sanders confirmed this.

Hill ordered a pre-sentence investigation. The sentencing date will be set after the investigation is completed.

Parents and guardians are asked to contact Leslie Bissell, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Ottawa County, at (918) 540-1621 if they suspect a child is a victim of abuse.

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