By J. Turchetta
Toni Woods, the former Braxton County Middle School teacher charged with having sex with some of her students was sentenced Wednesday.
Woods faces up to 20 years behind bars for sexual assault on a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Woods is still on bond, but not for very long.
Circuit Judge Robert Facemire is allowing Woods a few days to get her affairs in order before she begins her sentence of up to 20 years in a penitentiary.
Woods was given the full sentence allowable for the charges she pleaded guilty to. No less than 4 years or no more than 20 years total for her role in having sex with several of her middle school students.
Braxton County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Martin says Woods sentence sends a big message.
No cameras were allowed in the courtroom for Wednesdays proceedings, but several of Wood's family spoke on her behalf asking for leniency.
Both her mother and husband broke into tears. When time came for the families of the victims to speak in open court, they had harsh words for Woods.
Dale Fisher the father of one of the victims said, in court, quote... "You devastated my family...you took our trust....you took our cohesiveness as a father and son...you installed hatred in my family...you replaced joyful times with a lot of tears."
A sentiment Fisher reiterated to our cameras afterwards. Fisher says he wanted Woods to hear what her actions has done to his family.
When Judge Facemire sentenced Woods he told her..."All of Braxton County is a victim in this case."
Fisher says he thinks others knew about the relationship Woods was having with the students. As a result Fisher has taken action. Dale Fisher has filed a civil suit against the Braxton County Board of Education.
Fisher says now that this part of this ordeal is over the healing process for his family can begin.
Fisher says that an indication of that is is son has finally begun talking about the incident to a therapist. Meanwhile, Toni Woods must surrender herself to the Central Regional Jail by noon on April 1st.