The former Pasco elementary school teacher convicted of having sex with one of his students will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Michael Lander, 40, was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday morning. Lander was convicted last week on two counts of sexual battery and two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior.
Investigators said Lander began a sexual relationship with the girl when she was 12 years old. At one point the girl moved in with the family. The girl testified that Lander had sex with her on her 13th birthday and that he told her he loved her.
According to our partners at the Tampa Bay Times, Lander's wife and stepdaughter spoke against him at Tuesday's sentencing hearing.