Ex-Rowan teacher takes prison over probation

SALISBURY -- -- A former Rowan County high school teacher chose a prison sentence over probation Wednesday in a case involving an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student.

The Salisbury Post reports that Zachary Paul Greene, 30, entered an Alford plea in Superior Court and will serve 20 months in prison. The Alford plea allows defendants to maintain innocence, while acknowledging that prosecutors have evidence to get a conviction.

It is unclear why Greene chose the prison sentence instead of probation, which had been offered, according to the Salisbury Post.

Greene had been charged in April 2010 with three counts of felony indecent liberties with a female student at North Rowan High School.

The Salisbury newspaper says prosecutors testified that Greene and the student, who was 17 at the time, exchanged a kiss and inappropriate touching.

Salisbury Post story: bit.ly/o0umrr