Keith L. Gillins' accomplishments make him look like a model citizen -- he's a teacher, coach and former mayor in the small town of Fillmore.
But on Tuesday authorities accused the 61-year-old of having sex with a 17-year-old student.
Gillins, was charged in 4th District Court with two counts of unlawful sexual conduct. Each count is punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Deputy County Attorney Patrick Finlinson said more charges may be filed later as police continue investigating the case.
Gillins' arrest is "certainly going to result in a reaction here," Finlinson said.
The Millard County Sheriff's Office said Gillins, who taught English and coached boys' basketball last season, is suspected of having sex with a 17-year-old female student. The court charges say the sex allegedly occurred Nov. 17 and Jan. 1. Neither investigators nor prosecutors offered further details Tuesday.
Gillins posted a $10,000 bail and is free pending a court appearance Wednesday. He did not return a telephone message seeking comment.
Gillins worked for the school district at Millard High School from 1973 to 1979, according to the school district. Gillins left the school to sell insurance and was Fillmore's mayor from 1986 to 1997.
As mayor he tried to bring more jobs to town best known for its brief stint as Utah's territorial capitol.
He pushed for the creation of a co-op in which small-business owners could pay a small fee and have access to office equipment and other business infrastructure. The co-op eventually failed, but it helped give Gillins a reputation as a progressive mayor.
"At least something was tried," said Larry Paxton, a Fillmore restaurant owner who served on the town council while Gillins was mayor. Paxton called Gillins "a good leader."
Gillins returned to Millard High in 2003.
"I think he was very much respected," said Superintendant David Taylor.
A search of Utah court records shows Gillins has a 2005 shoplifting conviction in Provo. Gillins served no jail time and the misdemeanor guilty plea was dismissed after Gillins obeyed all laws for six months.
Taylor said Gillins' employment contract ended when the school year concluded last month.
Gillins' arrest comes on the heels of a Salt Lake City teacher being acquitted last week of charges of having sex with a studen.
Two Bountiful teachers still are awaiting trial on similar charges.
In Fillmore, "I'm sure its just like the way it was up in Bountiful," Paxton said. "Some people were shocked and some people were not."
