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A former Mendenhall High School teacher and coach has pleaded guilty to one count of Gratification of Lust and was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed by law.
Sammy Byther, 47, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in Simpson County Circuit Court as jury selection was underway for his trial.
The charges stemmed from October 2024, when Byther was employed as a teacher and coach at Mendenhall High School. He was accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old student.
Circuit Judge Stan Sorey sentenced Byther to 15 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Byther must serve the entire sentence without the possibility of parole and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
The District Attorney’s Office credited Simpson County Investigator Eric Still for conducting a thorough investigation and recognized Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Wood for the extensive work involved in preparing the case for trial.
The office also thanked the Simpson County residents who reported for jury duty Tuesday morning.
Special recognition was given to the victim for coming forward and cooperating throughout the investigation and preparations for trial. Prosecutors said her willingness to speak up was instrumental in allowing authorities to pursue the case and hold Byther accountable.
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