Teacher gets year for spanking student

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A Virginia Beach high school teacher accused in the sexual battery of one of his students has been found guilty. Back in Jan., the student accused Michael Shanklin, Jr. of spanking her.

Police arrested Shanklin, 37, and charged him with abduction and sexual battery of a minor.

Shanklin was tried Thursday on the sexual battery charge, found guilty and sentenced to 12 months in jail.

Police said on Jan. 18 at approximately 4:30 p.m., a student at Landstown High School stayed after school for a tutoring session.

The student failed to complete an assignment and the teacher reportedly felt the student needed to be punished.

Police said Shanklin proceeded to strike the student on her buttocks with a belt numerous times. Macie Pridgen, with the Commonwealth's Attorney Office, said the student was allegedly struck 20 times.

Afterwards, the student left the classroom and reported the incident to the school nurse.

Pridgen said Shanklin noted his appeal during the trial.

Thursday's trial also included a preliminary hearing on the felony abduction charge, which was certified by a grand jury.

Shanklin remains in jail without bond.