This is a first offense for Bryan Tyman, so as part of the plea deal he will have his teaching license revoked, he will be on probation for six years and on the sex offender's registry for 10 years. But parents of the affected girls who were in court on Wednesday say that is simply not enough.
Bryan Tyman left court Wednesday without saying a word. The former middle school teacher's fate now lies in the hands of a Porter, Indiana county judge, after prosecutors and Tyman's defense attorney submitted a plea deal for her consideration.
"He's agreeing to the maximum amount of probation, so he'll be supervised. He's lost his livelihood. He's been publicly humiliated. He's going to have a year of home detention," said Bryan Truitt, defense attorney.
The 45-year-old social studies teacher pled guilty to two charges of child solicitation. In court, he admitted to texting pictures of his private parts to some of his students at Portage, Indiana's Fegely Middle School back in December of 2012. A third charge of child solicitation and a more serious charge alleging sexual misconduct with a fourteen-year old student were dismissed after the alleged victim decided not to go forward. Parents in court Wednesday were outraged over the deal.
"We've been reading things, hearing things, but then actually hearing him admit to the charges, that was probably the most disheartening thing," said Heather Antecky, victim's mother.
And while the agreement was signed off by attorneys on both sides, an upset judge made it clear in court that she does not have to accept the deal, giving parents hope that Tyman could still face prison time.
"I was pleased to see her reaction. She's a very fair judge. She's for our children and I don't think she'll let us down," said Roy Peeler, victim's father.
And while Tyman did not speak to reporters on Wednesday, his defense attorney apologized on his behalf.
"He knows he was the adult. That he was the teacher, in a position of authority. As such, I think he's embarrassed. He's tremendously remorseful," said Truitt.
The judge is expected to decide whether she will accept the plea deal at a sentencing hearing on November 13, where those who were affected will have the opportunity to read victim impact statements in court.
