Teacher convicted of trying to take up-skirt photo of student

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WZZM) - A jury says a Byron Center teacher is guilty of trying to take a picture up the skirt of a 9th grade student.

"We are always glad to see justice done," says Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Helen Brinkman after the verdict.

Friday, 40 year old science teacher Steven Sanger was found guilty of "attempting to photograph undergarments worn by another".

Sanger says he was holding the digital camera on his lap reviewing stored images when the girl stopped at his desk to discuss her failing grade.

The jury believed beyond a reasonable doubt he tried to point the lens under her skirt to take a picture

"It's disappointing," says defense attorney Dan Watkins. "We put forth the best case we could. A jury is going to do what a jury is going to do, I guess."

No photograph of the girl was found on the teacher's camera but, some of the girl's classmates testified they also thought the teacher was aiming the camera up her skirt.

According to the law it is just as illegal to attempt an upskirt photo as it is to succeed.

"We are glad for the family," Brinkman says of the conviction.

Attempting an upskirt photograph carries a possible 5 year prison sentence, but with no criminal record guidelines would call for 0 to 6 months in the county jail for the teacher.

Assistant Prosecutor Brinkman says Sanger should be punished more severely than others who commit this crime.

"The man took advantage of a student," she says. "Yea, I do believe his punishment should be more than the average person."

Anger is scheduled for sentencing September 30, 2008.