Former TPS Administrator Sentenced To 20 Years For Child Sex Abuse

Former school teacher and assistant principal Robert Yerton is headed to prison for 20 years on child sex abuse convictions.

He will have to serve 17 years before being eligible for parole, then will have seven years probation when he gets out.

Two victims had statements for the judge.

The young men asked the judge to not only punish Yerton for his crimes, but also protect other young boys who could be future victims.

8/30/2012 Related Story: Former Tulsa Principal Guilty Of Sex Abuse; Jury Recommends 27 Years

Then, Yerton's wife and daughter made tearful pleas to the judge, saying this case was built on lies and asking for him to show leniency.

The courtroom was packed, divided down the middle, half filled with supporters of Robert Yerton and half supporting the victims in this case.

Yerton's attorney said no one wins when an innocent man goes to prison.

"I've never represented a man - and I've done this 26 years - who had as many supporters as this man does," said attorney Richard O'Carroll. "I firmly believe this is a miscarriage of justice. I've taken an oath for this system, and I hope this gets rectified, but I'm afraid it won't be."

Yerton spoke to the judge, saying he was innocent and praying for strength. He also said the built on the lies of mostly one boy.

However, prosecutors said there were several people who didn't know each other, from several schools and churches, and that this was not a conspiracy.

Sarah McAmis, Assistant DA: "There's so much overwhelming evidence and you would expect and wish and hope that someone would stand up and take responsibility, beg for forgiveness, and give closure to his family and to the victims, but for whatever reason, he can't do it, won't do it," said Assistant District Attorney Sarah McAmis.

McAmis commended all the people who tried, from different schools and churches over the years, to come forward and express their concern about Yerton and young boys.

She said, because of his professional standing and personality, he was able to hold off the accusations for a long time.

"This is a man who, at first blush, no one would expect. He has a good education, a good background, was a churchgoer, but, he's still a very deviant, dangerous man," McAmis said.

Yerton's attorney asked for a new trial Friday, saying it was improper for the judge to tell the jury, during the trial in August, that they couldn't leave until they reached a verdict. The request was denied.

The jury deliberated 12 hours and found Yerton not guilty on two counts and guilty on three and recommended 27 years.