Former Winside teacher sentenced to two years in jail

WAYNE, Neb. -- Former Winside teacher Cali Heikes was sentenced to two years behind bars on Wednesday on two counts of sexual abuse of a student.

District Judge Mark Johnson said teachers and students develop a trusting relationship and Heikes breached it with her offense.

Judge Johnson said Heikes was the one promoting the offenses and she could have stopped at any time.

Heikes was found guilty of first- and second-degree sexual abuse.

She was sentenced to 24 months in jail, but is eligible to one year with good behavior.

Heikes must register as a sex offender for 25 years.

She pleaded guilty to the two felonies in early July.

Heikes was arrested in January. The 26-year-old was accused of having a relationship with a 17-year-old student.

A graduate of Winside High School and Wayne State College, Heikes had been out on bond. In March, her bond was doubled after authorities reportedly discovered a letter written by Heikes to the alleged victim.

Wayne County Sheriff Jason Dwinell said in January that his office received a tip regarding a potential relationship between the then-25-year-old Heikes and a student.