Court sentences John Rodenburg to 90 days in prison

The former Gila Ridge High School teacher who enticed an underage female was sentenced to 90 days followed by five years of supervised probation Wednesday.

John Rodenburg was arrested in early March after allegations of kidnapping and luring a minor for sexual exploitation.

Judge Haws announced that Rodenburg must surrender to jail on January 2nd.

Rodenburg must also register as a sex offender.

In court, Rodenburg read a note apologizing to the victim and the victim’s family as well as the school district.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize to the victim, her family and to you. I acted irresponsibly and … I have great respect for the school administration, law enforcement, and this court. I am ashamed and humiliated by the sentiment and I look forward to beginning a treatment program as soon as possible. I justifiably lost a great deal as a result of my court’s decision. I will never teach again. I will never coach again. I will never again be able to utilize my education in an educational setting. I hope to be able to serve this wonderful community in whatever capacity I have. I am determined to learn from my mistake and will work as hard as I can to become a productive member of society again. I am sorry to all of those I hurt here. I am deeply sorry to the pain I have caused to the victim and her family. I have spent my entire life devoted to service and I made a terrible decision that caused great pain victim. I can think of nothing more personally devastating. In a moment of intimate stupidity, I disrespected a family’s bond and will forever be sorry for that. I humbly ask the court to not just this previous error but also my lifetime of good works to consider an appropriate sentence. Thank you so much,” Rodenburg said.

The victim was present in court but did not wish to make a statement.