Former Idaho teacher, coach sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of student
An Ada County judge sentenced former Eagle High teacher and coach Jeff Ranstrom on Tuesday to 15 years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of a student.
Ranstrom, 32, of Star, pleaded guilty in November to sexual battery by lewd and lascivious conduct of a 16- or 17-year-old child.
Fourth District Judge Jonathan Medema sentenced Ranstrom to four years fixed, meaning he could be eligible for parole after four years of the 15-year sentence are served. Ranstrom will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office previously said that Ranstrom sexually abused a 17-year-old girl and that evidence showed he had contact with her “dozens of times” between March and August of 2019.
Ranstrom was initially charged with three other felony sex crimes connected to the girl’s abuse, and two counts of burglary, but those charges were dismissed pursuant to a plea agreement.
Ada County Deputy Prosecutor John Dinger explained that Ranstrom groomed the victim in a “textbook” manner, dating back to when she was 15. Dinger said Ranstrom took advantage of her family situation and his position of authority. Prior to the sexual abuse, he became controlling, bought the victim gifts, and directed her on what she should wear and whom she should see, Dinger said.
He sent her inappropriate, sexual text messages and manipulated the victim into believing this was a “relationship” rather than abuse. Presentencing investigators said Ranstrom was narcissistic and repeatedly minimized his actions.
Ranstrom was married at the time of the abuse, and Dinger noted that Ranstrom had “the audacity to refer to this as an affair.”
“His supporters seem to see this an affair,” Dinger said. “They show little regard for the victim.”
Ranstrom repeatedly abused the child, including going into her home while her parents were asleep. Dinger said there were times when he manipulated her into complying with various things that she did not want to do and made her feel guilty when she tried to end the interactions with him.
Dinger also said the suspect has repeatedly called this a “mistake” and has not taken proper accountability. Ranstrom confessed to the police only after his brothers caught him with the victim, authorities said.
The victim spoke at sentencing, telling the judge that Ranstrom was manipulative and isolating. She said she repeatedly told Ranstrom that she wanted to end the relationship.
Defense attorney Gabriel McCarthy said Ranstrom first reached out to him because he wanted to confess to a crime and he needed legal advice. McCarthy said his client cooperated with police.
“He didn’t try to keep this from law enforcement. He was motivated by doing the right thing,” McCarthy said.
By doing that, the victim did not have to testify before a jury, McCarthy said, and his client was trying to remove some of the victim’s pain.
Ranstrom said prior to sentencing that he is “haunted” by his actions.
“There’s not words to describe how terrible the things are that I’ve done,” Ranstrom told the judge.
In addition to teaching, Ranstrom was the coach of the Eagle High School boys basketball team. The West Ada School District confirmed that Ranstrom resigned from his teaching and coaching positions on Sept. 23.
Medema said he considers Ranstrom a risk to the community and that his manipulative actions speak to his character.
“This young lady was not old enough or mature enough, through no fault of her own, to recognize what you were doing to her,” Medema said.
This story was originally published January 28, 2020 at 4:17 PM.
