A former teaching assistant accused of having sex with a Higley High School student was given the maximum sentence at a Maricopa County Superior Court hearing Friday in Mesa, and was admonished by the judge for trying to downplay his role in the case. Judge David Udall ordered Jeremy Ross Calvert, 21, of Gilbert, to lifetime probation, to register as a sex offender and serve two years in prison with credit for the estimated 530 days he's already spent behind bars. Prosecutors are pursuing restitution for the girl and her family. Calvert's attorneys had argued the sexual encounter during a band lesson in November 2006 was likely consensual, but the girl has said it was rape. Calvert was indicted in January 2007 on nine counts of sexual conduct with a minor - a lesser charge than sexual assault but that doesn't determine whether the incident was consensual. Calvert recently confessed to two counts as part of a plea deal. Calvert, who had hoped to become a Navy Seal before his arrest, told the court Friday he was sorry that the incident occurred and hurt everyone in the courtroom, but said his case has attracted more attention than it should have, and then challenged prosecutors' arguments that he had sent harassing text messages and a graphic photo to the victim before his arrest. Udall visibly bristled. After Calvert finished his statement, the judge said: "Throughout the proceedings, you have tended to minimize your involvement in this" and issued the tough sentence. Explaining his decision, Udall noted that Calvert had misused his position as a trusted teacher's aide and the incident occurred on school grounds - violating the professional trust and responsibilities of such a position. The case has hurt friends and family members on both sides, as well as the Higley Unified School District, students and staff and their families. Two of the district's employees resigned in light of the incident, and the situation fueled a political battle between the board and administration that still festers today. If you or a loved on has been charged with a criminal offense, contact Beauchamp Law Office for a free consultation with an experienced professional attorney at arizonacriminaldefenselawfirm.com