Ex-teacher convicted of selling cocaine

HARRISBURG -- A former teacher and athletics director at a southern Illinois high school will sentenced next month now that he's been convicted of dealing drugs.

Jurors in Saline County found 38-year-old Timothy Monroe of Harrisburg guilty Thursday. The former Galatia High School teacher was accused of selling cocaine to an undercover law enforcer within 1,000 feet of a church in February 2008.

Monroe testified that he did nothing wrong and that Illinois State Police simply were out to get him. Investigators denied any vendetta.

Monroe's bond has been revoked, and he's jailed pending his March 23 sentencing.