ANCHORAGE, Alaska – In 1988, David Schwantes was named “teacher of the year” in the Anchorage, Alaska school district. In 1990 he was given the same honor for the entire state.

At some point during those two years, he met and befriended a young student at Mount Spurr Elementary, then repeatedly molested the boy over the next few years, according to a news report from the Alaska Dispatch News.

That student grew up to be an American soldier who is currently serving in Afghanistan. He eventually turned Schwantes into authorities, and last week the 74-year-old retired teacher was sentenced to two years in prison for molesting the boy and attempting to molest another, the news report said.

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The victim listened to the sentencing by phone from Afghanistan.

Schwantes taught at the elementary school, which was located on an Air Force base, from 1968 to 1993, then again as a substitute teacher from 1993 to 1996.

“The prosecutor said the two boys tied to the charges were ‘forced’ to touch Schwantes’ genitals. He argued the former teacher’s actions made parents question whether they should instill in their children that schools are safe places,” the Dispatch wrote.

Schwantes was originally charged with seven felonies after another alleged victim came forward, but then declined to testify before a grand jury, the news report said.

Schwantes was actually sentenced to six years in prison with four years suspended. Under current law he could have faced 5 to 15 years in prison, but he was sentenced under terms of the law that existed at the time of his offenses.