GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – A former Green Bay elementary school teacher convicted of sexually assaulting his students has filed for an appeal of his conviction.

David Villareal filed the appeal in the 3rd District of the State Court of Appeals earlier this month.

He was found guilty in July 2023 and sentenced to 50 years in prison, followed by 10 years of extended supervision. His deadline to appeal was extended six times before he filed this notice on November 8.

PREVIOUS: A former Green Bay elementary school teacher convicted of sexually assaulting his students has received what could amount to life in prison.

“Four Little Lives Changed Forever,” Hon. Donald Zuidmulder said in court.

A jury convicted David Villareal in April of all charges — first-degree sexual assault of a child under 16 using threats (count 1), two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child under 13 (counts 2 and 3), and repeated acts of sexual assault on the same child (cont. 4).

On Friday, a judge sentenced Villareal, who is 48, to 50 years in prison and 20 years of extended supervision:

• Count 1: 25 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision;
• Count 2: 25 years in prison and 10 years extended supervision after serving time on count 1;
• Count 3: 15 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision, concurrent with his sentence for Count 2;
• Count 4: 10 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision, also concurrent with his sentence on count 2.

Villareal could have received 60 years in prison for each of the three first-degree sexual assault charges and 40 years for the repeat sexual assault charge.

Villareal was arrested in April 2021. Prosecutors say a former student at Baird Elementary School came forward Villareal fondled or squeezed her buttocks or thighs every day. She also said he made inappropriate comments complimenting her or her older sister and said she hoped her mother would get a divorce so he could date her mother. The girl said she came forward after she started having nightmares and talking to her best friend, who said the same thing happened to her.

Another former student said Villareal touched or slapped her bottom. When she made the allegations, the school made her meet the teacher to confront him, which made her feel uncomfortable and she always felt the teacher was staring at her. Her mother removed her from Baird shortly thereafter.

Villareal testified in his own defense, vehemently denying all the charges. He was the only defense witness. The jury deliberated for just an hour before reaching its verdict.

A parent of a student victim spoke before pronouncing:

“When I think about some of the things he said or did in my presence, I am sickened. She was nursing my daughter right in front of my eyes and I was too confident to see her.”

She described the physical and emotional turmoil Villareal caused her family.

“He stole her innocence. He made her more anxious and negative and shattered her ability to trust others. He must be held accountable. He’s a sex offender,” the parent said. “No child or the families who love them should ever have to deal with this pain and this life-changing abuse.”

The state and Villareal’s defense told the judge their recommendations for his future.

“He is a supportive member of his family and community. He is active in the church community and has volunteered in the past. All of these things speak to his character,” said defense attorney Stephanie Rock.

Assistant District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil said, “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I can tell you that the one I think I would look at it by would say he would be a danger to the public.”

Zuidmulder addressed Villareal after handing down the sentence:

“I will not let any parent worry that their child can ever be hurt and harmed in the way you have harmed the four children in this case.”

Villareal must abide by a number of rules as part of his extended supervision, including joining the sex offender registry.

Copyright 2023 WBAY. All rights reserved.