Video: Springfield teacher denies sexually exploiting a minor

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=13554253                                   Springfield teacher denies sexually exploiting a minor         White River Junction, Vermont - November 23, 2010         A teacher in Springfield lost his job after he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a student. The high school teacher and coach had to give up his teaching license in Vermont. He was arraigned on felony charges Tuesday in court.         Michael Sorrentino appeared in court just over a year after a student at Springfield High School says he pressured her to have sex with him. He is facing felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor.         "As I read this paperwork, judge, the alleged event occurred between 11 and 11:30 at night at a location completely unconnected to the school," defense attorney Matt Harnett said.         The defense argued Tuesday the incident did not take place at a time when Sorrentino had a position of power of the minor.         According to court documents, the minor told police her relationship with Sorrentino began as student-teacher, but became more friendly when they began spending time together after school.         The alleged victim told police Sorrentino never served as her teacher or coach, but on the night of November 9, 2009, she went to his house and he forcefully removed her clothing and had sex with her.         Sorrentino was released on bail Tuesday with conditions limiting his future employment.         "Number 31, to not to have any contact with any females under the age of 16. And number 32, not to have any work involving education, or supervising of minor females," Vt. Superior Court Judge M. Patricia Zimmerman said.         "The defendant objects to those conditions first and foremost on the basis of the presumption of innocence. I do not know if the court has found probable cause on this or not," Harnett said.         The defense introduced three letters of character to the court. But the prosecutor introduced text message records between the defendant and alleged victim.         Sorrentino has relocated to California, but is due back in court again in mid-December. If convicted, Sorrentino could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.         Molly Smith - WCAX News