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Ex-Teacher Sentenced To Probation After Stealing School Computer

BELVIDERE, N.J. (AP) -- A former northwestern New Jersey teacher who stole a school district computer and swapped it for $150 in heroin will not have to serve a prison term.

Instead, Justin Mannick will serve four years probation under a sentence imposed Friday.

The 29-year-old Lopatcong Township resident, who taught physical education in the North Warren Regional school district, also surrendered his teaching certificate and will be barred from public employment in New Jersey as part of the plea deal reached with Warren County prosecutors.

In return, they dismissed an official misconduct charge.

The Express-Times of Easton, Pa. reports that prosecutors had sought a tougher sentence for Mannick, noting that the computer he stole and traded in March 2011 contained student information, such as grades and student records.

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(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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