A former West Hall coach accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student entered a plea for 8 years of probation.

Zachary Douglas Swansey, 28, was sentenced Tuesday under the First Offender Act for the charge of sexual assault to a student. Under the first offender status, the court will discharge the offense “without court adjudication of guilt and shall be completely exonerated of guilt of said offense” if he meets the sentence’s terms.

Swansey’s attorney Bill Kitchens declined to comment on his client’s behalf.

Swansey, who served as an online learning teacher and the head boys basketball coach, submitted a letter of resignation in May.

In a news release, Hall County Schools said “rumors had surfaced within the school suggesting an inappropriate relationship between Coach Swansey and a current female student at West Hall High School, which prompted the investigation.”

He was later charged by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the special conditions of the sentence, Swansey “shall not be employed supervising or educating children.”