A former Mountain View High School teacher accused of touching the breasts of one of his students was placed on three years probation Monday.
Jason William Baridon, 34, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual abuse last month and was facing up to two years in prison.
An 18-year-old student told Pima County sheriff's detectives she went to Baridon's classroom after school one day last March because she needed his help for an upcoming history test, according to court documents.
While she was there, Baridon flirted with her, kissed her neck and repeatedly reached under her clothing to touch her breasts, the woman told police.
The incident came to light after a friend of the student's told her own mother of the incident and that woman called school officials, who in turn called the authorities.
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Detectives taped a phone call between Baridon and the teen. During the phone call, Baridon apologized and said "it" should never have happened.
During their investigation, detectives heard rumors Baridon had had an affair with another student in 2007 and was known to be a "touchy" teacher, court documents indicate.
Court records show detectives found love notes from several students in Baridon's classroom and the victim also told detectives Baridon had expressed interest in her sexual history.
During Baridon's sentencing hearing Monday, his attorney, Jeffrey Rogers, objected to inclusion of the rumors in a presentence report, saying they were never substantiated.
Rogers asked the judge to place his client on probation, noting that doctors say Baridon won't engage in such behavior again and that he sought counseling immediately after his arrest.
Losing his dream job as a teacher and endangering his marriage are punishment enough, Rogers said.
While Baridon should have known better than to engage in such behavior, Rogers said the victim engaged in a "lot of provocative behavior" herself.
Baridon's teaching certificate has expired, Rogers said.
Baridon apologized for his behavior, calling his actions a "stupid, careless decision."
Pima County Superior Court Judge Frank Dawley told Baridon he is not allowed to teach or coach children under 18 and he is to continue his counseling sessions. The judge opted not to require Baridon to register as a sex offender but reserved the right to do so should Baridon violate his probation.
Baridon had taught at the school since August 2001 and had taught summer school for the district since 2004.
