A former Wilmington Area School District teacher and choir director has been sentenced for sex crimes after his two victims delivered impact statements described as “heart-wrenching” by a Lawrence County judge.

Following a case that has been going on for three years, 38-year-old Jonathan Priano of New Wilmington was handed a sentence of 11 to 22 months in jail on Thursday. 

In addition, Priano will be on probation for three years and must register as a sex offender for fifteen years.

In March, Priano pleaded guilty to institutional sexual assault and corruption of minors. Twenty-four other charges were either dismissed or not prosecuted.

According to Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Miller, the prosecution had asked the judge to sentence Priano to 15 months to six years in prison.

Investigators accused Priano of using his position as a district choir teacher to build relationships with two students, staying in contact with students after they graduated, and having contact with one student more than 10 times.

Court records show that the alleged incidents occurred as far back as 2010.