A former Knoxville teacher and coach accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old student has entered a plea to criminal charges in Marion County District Court.

34-year-old Troy Rider pled guilty Friday to two counts of 3rd Degree Sexual Abuse, Class C Felonies, and one count of Sexual Exploitation By A School Teacher, a Class D Felony.
The case began over a year ago when a report of sexual abuse by Rider was filed with the Knoxville Police Department. He was arrested in March 2014 and resigned from Knoxville Schools later that month.
A sentencing date has been set for August 7th.