Ex-Conn. prep school dean pleads in sex assaults

  

LITCHFIELD, CT -- The former dean of an exclusive Connecticut boarding school has pleaded guilty in a case accusing him of sexually assaulting students.

Robert Reinhardt pleaded guilty Tuesday to risk of injury to a minor and three counts of second-degree sexual assault a day before jury selection was to start in his trial.

He pleaded under the Alford doctrine. That means he doesn't agree with all allegations but acknowledges there is enough evidence for conviction.

He was sentenced to 27 years, 9 1/2 of those in prison and the rest on probation. He faced up to 60 years if convicted. He must also register as a sex offender.

Four male former students at The Gunnery School in Washington, Conn., had accused the 46-year-old Reinhardt of abuse.

Reinhardt's lawyer calls the sentence "significant."

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