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Provo >> A former Provo High teacher accused of sexually abusing a student pleaded guilty to reduced charges Thursday afternoon.

Donald Nelson Bills, 55, pleaded guilty to first-degree felony counts of attempted forcible sodomy and attempted object rape, as well as long second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse and obstruction of justice, and third-degree felony tampering with a witness.

Ten other similar charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal. He faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 14.

Bills met the alleged victim in 2012 at a softball game in which she was playing, according to charging documents. During that 2012-2013 school year, she took physiology and sports medicine classes from Bills.

The two saw each other on a daily basis, according to charges, and the teacher often talked to the student about school, sports, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his church mission. He also spoke of "his belief that the beauty of the human body, which signaled the role of a great creator," according to court records.

Bills and the alleged victim's relationship increased in seriousness, and in November 2013, he allegedly kissed the girl. A month later — when the girl was 17 — the relationship had progressed to inappropriate touching and sexual contact, prosecutors allege.

Twitter: @jm_miller