FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA — A former Spain Park High School science teacher was sentenced to probation Dec. 2 after pleading guilty to having sex with a male student.

Shelby County Circuit Judge Dan Reeves issued Stephanie Suggs Millard, 34, of north Shelby County, a 10-year suspended prison sentence and put her on five years’ probation.

Millard’s probation is part of a best interest plea agreement with the Shelby County District Attorneys Office. According to the plea agreement, Millard will be supervised by a state probation officer. She also must register as a sex offender and complete a program for sexual offenders.

Millard pleaded guilty to one count of a school employee having sex with a student under the age of 19. A second count was dismissed under the plea agreement.

Hoover police arrested Millard in December 2012 after an investigation revealed she had engaged in a sexual relationship with a then-17-year-old Spain Park student in March and April 2012. The student has since graduated and is attending college.

The Hoover police Family Services Division received a tip about Millard’s conduct, leading to her arrest.