Ex-school worker 'parent's nightmare'

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - Calling him "every parent's nightmare," an Allegan County judge sentenced a former Holland Public Schools worker to prison for sexually abusing a teen about six years ago..

Jonathan Meyer pleaded guilty in May to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

On Monday afternoon, Judge Kevin Cronin called Meyer "every parent's nightmare" as he sentenced the 32-year-old to between six to 20 years in prison. Cronin said Meyer abused his "authority status" and also encouraged him to get sex offender treatment while behind bars.

Meyer was originally charged with three counts of first-degree CSC. He was a lunchroom supervisor at Holland's West Middle School at the time of the assaults and was also a church youth leader at Christ Memorial Church in Holland.

At a February preliminary exam, three teens testified the abuse happened in 2006 or 2007 when they were 13 and 14 years old.

One teen testified the abuse happened when Meyer was house-sitting while the teen's parents were out of town. The others said they snuck out at night with Meyer and he performed oral sex on them.

None of the victims spoke at the sentencing, but the prosecutor spoke on their behalf. He said the victims "want to see the defendant in prison."

Just before he was sentenced, Meyer said he "takes full responsibility" for his actions.

"I betrayed my friends and family. If I could take it back, I would. I ask for the mercy of the court."

Cronin then sentenced him to prison.