A sexual assault case involving the former dean of an exclusive boarding school in Washington, Connecticut will not go to trial.
Robert Reinhardt pleaded guilty on Tuesday, a day before jury selection was scheduled to begin.
Four former male students at The Gunnery School accused Reinhardt of abuse in 2009.
The paperwork was sealed, but the parents of one student filed a lawsuit last year that claimed that Reinhardt sexually assaulted their son repeatedly from October 2007 until they removed the boy from the school in May 2009.
Last August, Reinhardt chose to go to trial over a plea deal. But this week, he pleaded guilty under the Alford doctrine. That means he doesn't agree with all allegations, but acknowledges there is enough evidence for conviction.
Reinhardt was sentenced to 27 years. He will serve 9 1/2 in prison and the rest on probation. He must also register as a sex offender.
Reinhardt was a chemistry teacher, chairman of his department, dean of residential life, dean of students, the crew coach and a house parent at the school, according to court documents.
