08/23/2007

Associated Press

A jury convicted a former high school chemistry teacher of sexually abusing two 17-year-old students.

The Lane County jury deliberated for a day before convicting Curtis N. Buell on multiple counts of second-degree sexual abuse, which carry a maximum five-year prison term each.

Buell, 26, also was found guilty of multiple counts of third-degree sexual abuse, which carry a maximum 1-year term each.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 17.

The former Churchill High School teacher was accused of touching the girls over and under their clothing. He also reportedly performed oral sex on one girl and had a girl touch his genitals.

Most of the activity occurred at school, police said. But one incident happened at Buell's home in Eugene, where former students continued to visit him as recently as last weekend, The Register-Guard newspaper reported.

Police learned of the case after one girl shared some details with her boyfriend. He told his parents, and they contacted the authorities.

Eugene police used computer and phone records to identify the second victim.

Buell placed more than 1,000 phone calls to one of the victims and several hundred to the other, police said. He also communicated with students on a MySpace Web page.

Buell was placed on paid administrative leave last fall and he resigned Jan. 31. During his three years at Churchill, he taught chemistry and drama and coached club volleyball.

During the trial, Buell said he considered himself a good teacher on his way to becoming a great one. The verdict means he will be required to register as a sex offender.

His mother wept when Lane County Judge Gregory Foote read the verdict Wednesday.

"It's going to be OK," Buell assured her.

___

Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com