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 today to Sexual Exploitation Pattern Practice by a Teacher, a Class D Felony, and Sexual Exploitation by a Teacher, an aggravated misdemeanor.
According to court documents, Rider will likely be required to serve a 5 to 7 year prison sentence, followed by 10 years of special parole. He must also file with the Sex Offender Registry.
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.