Middle school teacher sentenced

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A West Seneca middle school teacher is heading to prison for sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy.

Anthony Harper is going to prison for having sexual contact with a 13-year-old boy in August, 2007. The incident happened while Harper was a teacher and coach at West Seneca East Middle School.

Tom Eoannou said, "This truly was an isolated instance."

State Supreme Court Justice John Michalek told Harper the selfish and despicable actions devastated a child and his family before sentencing him to two years in prison, seven years post-release supervision and requiring him to register as a sex offender.

Harper's attorney, Tom Eoannou said, "It was a very fair sentence. It's a sentence that allows for a brief period of incarceration and a lengthy period of supervision and treatment."

The victim and his family were not in court. However, the boy, through the district attorney's office told the court he recognized what the defendant did was wrong and wanted him to pay for what he did.

Eoannou said, "He is completely devastated that he let this young man down because he knew him, and he understands he will never be a teacher again and that he has some issues that must be dealt with."

Before sentencing, Harper told the court he was sorry. The victim's parents, in their impact statement, say their child is crushed for life and no one can imagine the damage done to the entire family.

News 4's Mylous Hairston asked if there are other victims.

Eoannou said, "The D.A.'s office is very good at following up if there are other students to come forward. I believe they looked into that and no one did."

There is also an order of protection, and Harper has been told to stay away from the child.

Harper was a teacher for 11 years and surrendered his teaching license.