Former Avenal middle school teacher sentenced to probation

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- A former Avenal middle school teacher arrested for multiple sex crimes against children was sentenced to probation Thursday.

Curt Meyer, 71, walked out of court a free man but he'll be on probation for the next six years, and one of the terms of his probation is that he register as a sex offender.

Meyer can't have any contact with the three victims he's charged with molesting or hurting. He also can't spend time with anyone under the age of 18, or go to certain places they go.

Meyer, a former Avenal middle school teacher in a position of trust, has been out of jail since March when he plead no contest to two misdemeanor counts of annoying and molesting a child under the age of 18, and one felony count of injuring a child.

"Mr. Meyer resolved this case pursuant to what's known as a People vs. West plea. Which essentially means that he is not in any way acknowledging any wrongdoing," said Richard Conway, defense attorney.

Before leaving court, Meyer told Action News he wasn't guilty and that he believes his conviction will be expunged. But prosecutors argue that because it was a conviction, it was a legal admission of guilt.

Meyer's defense attorney said his client, while quirky, was a good teacher who did everything for the benefit of the students. He pointed to the letters of positive support Meyer has received since being arrested. Including one from the former superintendent of Reef Sunset Unified School District. Part of her letter describes how Meyer mentored a group of young women, who she also knew and said denied any inappropriate behavior.

The former superintendent said,"Each of the women I spoke to said that Mr. Meyer had the role of a kindly teacher/grandfather who was interested only in her education and progress as a successful adult. He was generous, probably to a fault, but only to enable each student's academic and personal success."

If Meyer violates his probation, he faces a seven year prison sentence.