A former Granite Hills High School teacher convicted on charges related to sexual abuse involving a former underage female student was sentenced Wednesday to six months in county jail, but will remain free pending an appeal of his case.

Gerald Lopez, 56, who taught English and coached sports at an East County school, was arrested by El Cajon police in 2022 after the mother of the then-17-year-old victim discovered a series of text messages between her daughter and Lopez.

Lopez was convicted by an El Cajon Superior Court jury last month on misdemeanor counts of possession of child pornography and disturbing or harassing a child.

The same jury acquitted Lopez of more than a dozen other charges and suspended five charges of sending harmful material to a minor. Superior Court Judge John Thompson dismissed the remaining counts, deadlocked.

On Wednesday, Thompson sentenced Lopez to 180 days in jail and two years of official felony probation; This includes a “sweeping” 4th Amendment waiver requirement that would allow police to search Lopez, including his electronic devices and social media, without a warrant or probable cause. San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.

Over their objections, prosecutors said Lopez would be allowed to remain detained pending appeal.

During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Josh Brisbane told jurors that Lopez exchanged sexually explicit text messages and images with the girl over several months. Lopez’s defense attorney, Robert Boyce, argued that his client had no intention of having any relationship with the girl until she turned 18.

The girl’s mother notified the school after discovering the messages. Lopez was initially placed on unpaid leave, but school district officials announced in August 2022 that he was no longer employed by the district.