Ex-Hoquiam teacher sentenced for sexting girls

MONTESANO — An ex-Hoquiam High School teacher who sent sexually suggestive messages to two 12-year-old girls pleaded guilty Wednesday to communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.

Wesley A. Phillips of Hoquiam was sentenced to 30 days in jail and ordered to register as a sex offender and surrender his teaching certificate. He also was ordered to undergo treatment and have no contact with minors, other than his own children.

The Daily World reported that the 41-year-old made a plea deal with Grays Harbor County prosecutors that reduced initial felony charges to gross misdemeanors.

Court records say Phillips sent dozens of sexual email and text messages to two middle schools students. The messages started last fall. Phillips was arrested in January after the girls came forward. He resigned in February.

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