Former USD232 social studies teacher Keil Hileman, 55, was sentenced Friday, Nov. 8 to two years in prison at the final hearing in a case dating back to October 2022. Hileman had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful attempted sexual relations involving two of his students at a hearing in September

Hileman was originally arrested and charged with six counts of unlawful sexual relations Oct. 26, 2022. At a hearing in August, prosecutors dropped four of the six original charges after Hileman agreed to plead guilty to the remaining two charges. Hileman also registered as a sex offender for 25 years.

Hileman was a teacher in the De Soto school district from 1992-2022. He was named the National Teacher of the Year in 2004.

To begin the hearing, the judge, Neil Foth, asked if the victims would like to address the court and one victim, known in court records as RD, wanted the chance to speak.

Addressing the judge and Hileman, RD recounted how she met Hileman when she was five years old and that last September marked three years since Hileman had inappropriate relations with her. She told the court that Hileman told her to keep his crimes a secret from others.

RD originally planned to become an educator, but after her experiences with Hileman, she plans to pursue a career that focuses on putting pedophiles in jail. In her statement, RD tried to convince the judge to give Hileman the same amount of years in prison as he spent on house arrest.

During RD’s statement she asked Hileman to look her in the eyes, and when he did, she said, “I hate you.”

The judge thanked RD for her willingness to speak in court. The judge said he understands that these types of crimes are worse than others because other crimes happen and then you move on, but being taken advantage of stays with you for life.

Hileman declined the opportunity to address the court or the victims. 

Along with serving two years and being registered as a sex offender for 25 years, the judge also required Hileman to complete a sex offender treatment program. 

At the conclusion of the hearing, Hileman was taken from the courtroom by two officers.

Following the sentencing, RD spoke with Mill Valley News reporters. RD described how she wants other victims of abuse to know that they can make a difference by coming forward.

“Have the confidence to come forward,” RD said. “You’re not alone. Know that there are people who will support you.”

Mill Valley News has covered the case since Hileman’s arrest in 2022. Click here for a recap.