GOLDEN, Colo. -- A jury is deliberating the fate of a former Dakota Ridge High School teacher accused of having sex with a student.

Kevin Ponis, 36, testified in his defense Friday, saying he thought the student was 18, because she told him she was. Because the relationship appears consensual, the girl's age during the 2000 and 2001 sexual encounters is crucial.

The teenager testified last week that she had developed a crush on Ponis, and looked up to him and during one point, he had told her, "Think of me as a big brother. I will always be there for you."

Ponis faces charges in Jefferson County of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, and a pattern of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust -- 10 counts in all.

Testimony revealed the former tennis coach had sex with at least two other students, who were 18 years old, and the sex was therefore not a crime.

The prosecution claims Ponis violated his position of trust as a teacher, coach and student government sponsor to prey on his students.

The jury got the case late Friday afternoon and deliberated all day Monday before adjourning for the evening. They'll resume deliberations Tuesday morning.

Ponis could face up to 32 years in prison if convicted on all counts.