Thompson,Benjamin

A former band instructor in the Pella School District received his sentence after pleading guilty to his involvement in a series of incidents with a former student more than two years ago.

Benjamin Thompson, 32, received two years probation and four additional years of a suspended prison term Tuesday. He pled guilty to two counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse–which were reduced by the plea deal, and also had one felony count of sexual exploitation by a school employee dismissed.

He was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a then Pella High School student in the spring of 2014.

Thompson also received a ten-year special sentence under Iowa Code 903B.2, which means in addition to punishment provided by law, he is subject to supervision as if on parole once his initial criminal sentences have ended.

The sentence runs consecutively with probation and a ten-year suspended prison term he received for pleading guilty to one count of sexual abuse in the 3rd degree earlier this year in Floyd County. For both counts, Thompson is required to register as a sex offender and complete treatment.