Former Durant teacher convicted of child exploitation

DURANT, Okla. (KXII) – A former student teacher at Durant Middle School had an inappropriate relationship with a then 14-year-old student was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Prosecutors announced that Ryan Capps, 25, was sentenced Friday after being convicted found guilty by a federal jury in May.

Federal investigators said Capps was working as a teacher and coach when the abuse occurred in 2022.

Capps was convicted on one count of coercion and enticement, one count of sexual exploitation of a child/use of a child to create a visual image, and one count of sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

“This defendant abused his position of trust as a teacher and coach by sexually exploiting a student he was assigned to protect,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater in Oklahoma City. “I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of the FBI, Durant Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to remove this predator from the lives of innocent children through the legal system.”