LISBON – Chad R. Grey, a former substitute gym teacher, received nine months in prison on Friday for charges related to his involvement with two former female students.

Grey, 28, Gilson Avenue, East Liverpool, had pleaded guilty in January in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court to illegal use of a minor in a nudity-oriented material or performance, importuning and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.

One girl, who was 14 years old when the first two offenses occurred in October and November 2013, made a statement prior to sentencing. She said Grey asked her to “skip school” and “hang out” with him and had pressured her to send him photos of herself. She said he tried to advance their relationship from friendship into a sexual relationship by sending her inappropriate photos “all the time.”

She said at first she was afraid to tell anyone, but was also afraid of what was happening. Eventually, she decided it was time to end their relationship and tell someone.

“I don’t think this man should ever be around children,” the girl read in court. “Chad was not sorry one bit until he got caught….I refuse to accept any apologies when he shows no sympathy for all the victims he has done this to.”

Her grandmother also spoke before sentencing and said her granddaughter sees a counselor now and has no trust in anyone anymore.

The other crime Grey had pleaded to involved an 11-year-old girl, to whom Grey sent photos of his own naked genitals on Nov. 20, 2013.

Grey also had a number of supporters in the courtroom, several of whom testified on his behalf prior to sentencing. Barbara J. Mathess, a retired school teacher, said she has known Grey since he was a child. She talked about how he used to help children with multiple handicaps, was a good student and she had never heard a bad thing about him until reading the story in the newspaper.

“Just because he made a mistake does not mean I gave up on him,” Mathess said, adding later there are people who have done far worse than Grey. She also pointed out there are many more avenues for people to see naked photos these days.

Paula Chisom testified she moved into Grey’s neighborhood in 2002 and her daughters grew up with Grey. Chisom also described Grey as respectful, someone who looked out for her daughters and someone she trusted.

Grey’s fiance, Kasi Shaw, also talked about Grey’s wonderful relationship with their 20-month-old daughter, who she trusts him to watch while she is working. She noted he has a family depending on him and she wanted him home for her daughter.

Grey was notably grateful for the support of his family and friends in the courtroom, noting when a person makes terrible mistakes, they learn who their true friends and family are. He also said he has already been seeing a counselor and believes he is becoming a better person.

“I don’t dispute anything said about you,” Judge Scott Washam said prior to sentencing. “I don’t think these isolated incidents make you a bad person. I think you had a good upbringing.”

However, Washam also talked about the lasting impact on these girls due to what Grey did. He sentenced Grey to the nine-month term in prison, crediting him with one day served, and ordered him to be a Tier I sexual offender. He will be forced to register his address for 15 years.