Ex-scout leader gets 10 years for enticing minor

GREENSBORO -- David Jones, a former Chapel Hill middle school teacher and Scout leader who pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor was sentenced today to a minimum term of 10 years in prison.

Jones was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and sentenced to 25 years supervised probation, meaning he will be overseen well into his 80s.

No testimony was offered in Jones' sentencing, though his psychologist and about six family members and supporters were present.

Jones told the judge: "I apologize to the victim and the victim's family, and I hope that that will be relayed to them. I apologize to my family, friends, school and Scouts, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community, and most of all God for my actions. They were wrong."

The charge stemmed from Jones’ attempt to meet a 15-year-old Orange County boy in August 2006. He was walking up to the boy’s home when arrested. Search warrants said he had lubricant, condoms and a digital camera.

Jones had been communicating with the boy over the Internet. The boy’s parents contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and a deputy pretending to be the youth set up the encounter.

Jones said his actions were out of character and promised the court it would never happen again.

Jones had faced the possibility of life in prison. Prosecutors had asked the judge to impose a lifetime of supervised probation.

"We really don't know how someone will behave in the future," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DeFranco.

"All these people that have spoken out on behalf of Mr. Jones don't truly know him," DeFranco said.