Ex-Bengals cheerleader pleads guilty to reduced charges in sex case

• Sarah Jones may not receive jail time
• Custodial interference felony could be expunged from her record
• Case surfaced after accusations former teacher had sex with student

COVINGTON, Ky. — Former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader Sarah Jones pleaded guilty Monday morning and thus avoided standing trial later this week on charges she had a sexual relationship with a student she taught at Dixie Heights High School.

Jones, 27, pleaded guilty to reduced charges of sexual misconduct, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in prison and custodial interference, a felony which could carry a sentence of one to five years in prison.

Jones may not spend any time behind bars. On the custodial interference charge, Kenton County Circuit Court Judge Patricia Summe sentenced Jones to two years, diverted for five years probation. If Jones does not violate probation, she will be able to petition to have the felony expunged from her record.

On the charge of sexual misconduct, Jones was sentenced to 12 months probated for two years.

Jones admitted to having a sexual relationship with the student.

Jones and her victim were seen leaving the courthouse together but Jones' attorney Eric Deters would not comment on the nature of the relationship between the two.

Jones was originally charged with first-degree sexual abuse and unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities.

Sarah Jones' mother, Cheryl Jones, pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted tampering with physical evidence and was sentenced to 12 months conditionally discharged for two years.

Cheryl Jones admitted to sending the victim a text message telling him to get rid of his phone.

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Hannah also writes for The Cincinnati Enquirer