FROM STAFF REPORTS  

COLUMBIANA — A former Chelsea High School social studies teacher charged with having sexual contact with a student under the age of 19 pleaded guilty Oct. 29 for a suspended sentence.

John Martin Noles, 36, of Hoover, will serve two years of supervision by Shelby County Community Corrections. Noles also must pay a $1,000 fine and $413 in related legal costs. Noles appeared in Shelby County District Court before Judge Ronald E. Jackson.

According to the plea deal, Noles must give up his teacher’s certification, register as a sex offender and avoid all contact with the student in the case. Noles is scheduled to return to court April 3 upon completion of counseling with Alabama Abuse Counseling Center. Noles must obey all laws and keep a full-time job or become a student.

Authorities arrested Noles May 23 at his home. He was transported to the Shelby County Jail and later posted a $6,000 bond. Following Noles’ arrest, Shelby County Schools spokesperson Cindy Warner released a statement saying Noles had been placed on administrative leave. Noles eventually resigned his post.