Ex-teacher convicted of sexual assault of students

WOODSTOCK - A former Woodstock High School teacher was convicted Friday of sexual assault charges. <br> <br> Gene R. Groves, 26, was accused of having sex with one girl and fondling another during the 2000-2001 school year. Both are now 17. <br> <br> One girl testified that she had sex with Groves twice in his apartment after school. When first questioned by investigators she had said the teacher was a friend and mentor and denied having a relationship with him. <br> <br> The other girl testified that Groves touched her inappropriately on two separate occasions last school year. She admitted she had a crush on Groves, but said the sexual touching made her nervous and uncomfortable. <br> <br> Groves is one of three former Woodstock High School teachers who resigned following an investigation into improper relationships with students.