Wellington High School band instructor sentenced for sexual exploitation of child

A former Wellington High School band instructor has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for sexual exploitation of a child.

Thirty-year-old Ben Olson was sentenced Thursday in Sumner County District Court.  He pleaded guilty in March after admitting that he had a nude photo of a 17-year-old girl.

KSNW reports Olson apologized in court for his actions.  He said he was recently admitted to a center to address his mental health.

The victim and the mother also spoke in court.  They said Olson had betrayed their trust after the girl looked up to him as a friend and “father figure.”

Olson was suspended from the Wellington district in November and fired in April.  As part of his guilty plea, Olson must register as a sex offender.

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