A former Burlington teacher and wrestling coach will spend the next three years in prison following sentencing in Coffey County Thursday.
32-year-old Michael Vander Linden was sentenced to 36 months in prison during a hearing in Coffey County District Court Thursday. Vander Linden will also have lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Sentencing Thursday followed a no-contest plea by Vander Linden to three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Vander Linden was originally facing eight counts of aggravated indecent liberties with the remaining counts dismissed.
Vander Linden was arrested this past February after activity with one teenager between October 2012 and early April 2013 and a second teen between May and August 2013. Vander Linden was employed at Burlington High School as both a teacher and wrestling coach at the time of his arrest.
