GOLDEN, Colo. -- A 44-year-old former English teacher at Collegiate Academy In Jefferson County was sentenced Tuesday for sexually assaulting a student over a two-year period.

Linda Lewis Trabucco was sentenced to five years to life of intensive supervised probation, with five years in prison as a condition of her probation.

The male student said he met Trabucco when he was in the seventh grade. Two years later, he was in her English class. He told police that their relationship began when he was a freshman and lasted throughout high school, where she was an assistant principal.

He said the relationship began innocently, with the two talking about things. The relationship developed into hand holding and kisses, which then led to hugging and touching, according to Jefferson County officials.

The teenager told investigators that he and Trabucco engaged in sexual activity numerous times at his parent's house, while the teacher was married.

After her divorce, investigators said Trabucco bought a house in Highlands Ranch where she and the teenager continued to engage in sexual activity.

Trabucco pleaded guilty in February to sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust.

When she was arrested, many of her students came to her defense as news reports were published about the charges alleged.

A student identifying herself as Amanda Condon, commented on the original story posted on TheDenverChannel last August, "I have known her for many years and she has always been a dedicated teacher. She has always encouraged her students to achieve their very best. Many of her students have gone to college and received degrees thanks to her encouragement. I for one continue to support her along with many of my fellow students. "

Another student, posting in a Westword Blog following her arrest, called her, " the sweetest, kindest, gentlest person you know. That is Linda Trabucco. She has given her life for her students, and our school .... You will be very hard pressed to find any student who has sat in her class who will speak badly of her.."

Another wrote, "Mrs. Trabucco loved all her students in the most wholesome way possible."