Christopher pleads guilty

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DAVENPORT, IOWA - Former Challand Middle School physical education teacher Charles W. Christopher pleaded guilty today to one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

A sentencing date hasn't been set, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifford Cronk said he expects sentencing to take place early next year.

The defense and the prosecutors have agreed to a sentence of 10 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release; however, the judge is not bound to that agreement.

He was accused of soliciting sex from what he thought were 13- and 11-year-old girls.

Instead Christopher was talking to an undercover Burlington, Iowa police officer conducting an online sting to catch child predators.

The conversations went on from April through September of 2006, according to court records.

Christopher, 29, of Rock Falls, was originally charged in Whiteside County Circuit Court, but those charges were dropped when the federal charges were filed. He has been in federal custody since April 25.

When he was arrested, Christopher admitted to contacting 10 other girls, according to court records.

The former Sterling High School head wrestling coach was in the Sterling School District in his five years.

For complete coverage of Christopher's hearing, pick up Friday's Telegraph or Daily Gazette.