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David 'Jamie' Wagner, 32, right, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery, a third-degree felony, in a bill of information filed before Butler County Common Pleas Judge Keith Spaeth.Click to enlarge

HAMILTON — A former Madison High School softball coach charged in May with having sex with a 17-year-old female student pleaded guilty this morning, July 24.

David "Jamie" Wagner, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery, a third-degree felony, in a bill of information filed before Butler County Common Pleas Judge Keith Spaeth.

The charge carries a possible prison sentence of up to five years and a $10,000 fine. Wagner also will be classified as a Tier III sexual offender that will require him to register with the sheriff's office every 90 days for the rest of his life.

As part of the plea, Wagner has agreed to surrender his Ohio teaching certificate, according to defense attorney Richard Skelton.

The former Madison Junior/Senior High School softball coach and history teacher admitted to a Butler County Sheriff's detective about having a sexual relationship, which he said was consensual, with the juvenile. Wagner was originally charged with two counts of sexual battery.

The charges stem from two separate sexual encounters in April and May at Wagner's residence in Monroe, according to detectives. Wagner was charged with a sexual battery charge because he was a teacher and coach that held a position of authority over the girl.

Wagner was placed on paid leave from his coaching and teaching positions after a family friend of the 17-year-old Madison student told deputies May 11 that the coach had been sending sexually explicit text messages to the student, according to school and sheriff's officials. He was fired from his teaching position in June by the Madison school board.

Butler County Assistant Prosecutor Greg Stephens said the prosecution is satisfied with the plea. He said the plea was accepted after talking with the victim and her family.

The victim's parents were in the courtroom to hear the plea, but declined comment. Wagner's wife and parents also were present.