BREAKING: Cheyenne Teacher Pleads Guilty in Sex Abuse Case

A Cheyenne junior high school teacher charged with sexually abusing a teenage girl between May 2014 and April 2017 has pleaded guilty to a single count of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Joe Meza entered the plea Tuesday afternoon in Laramie County District Court, just one day into his trial.

​Meza was facing eight counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, each of which carried a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison.

In exchange for his plea, both parties are recommending a sentence of 20 to 40 years.

Meza remains free on a $100,000 at 10 percent bond pending sentencing.