Former Macomb teacher pleads guilty to misconduct

MACOMB — A former Macomb High School teacher has pleaded guilty to an official misconduct charge for having inappropriate communications with a then-17-year-old student.

WIUM Radio reports that the teacher and student exchanged more than 6,000 texts over a three-month period.

State's Attorney James Hoyle says Daniel Watson's guilty plea Monday saves the victim from having to face a trial and possibly testifying.

Watson originally was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and two counts of official misconduct. His guilty plea to the single official misconduct charge means he avoids the possibility of becoming a registered sex offender.

But Hoyle says the case was resolved fairly because Watson will be a convicted felon and will never be a teacher again.