Suit settled in student abuse case

BLOOMINGTON -- A former central Illinois high school teacher has settled a lawsuit filed by the student she was convicted of sexually abusing.

Terms of the settlement between 28-year-old Sarah Dickerson and the unnamed student were not released Friday. The lawsuit alleged negligent battery and emotional distress.

Dickerson pleaded guilty in 2007 to aggravated criminal sexual abuse and was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 48 months of probation.

Dickerson, who taught at University High School in Normal, was accused of having a sexual relationship with the then-17-year-old male student in July 2006.

Prosecutors say the relationship started through e-mail messages and continued with visits by the student to Dickerson's apartment.