DETROIT – A former Utica Community Schools teacher was sentenced to 20 years in prison Friday on child pornography changes and accusations that he sexually abused students who put their trust in him.
Gary Kliebert worked as a special education teacher at the Utica Community Schools for nearly 30 years.
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Kliebert was working as a substitute teacher at Rodgers Elementary in St. Clair Shores when the investigation started. He also worked on the side as a tutor and piano teacher.
In 2011, following a tip, police executed a search warrant at Kliebert's Washington Township home. Investigators seized his computer and found more than 800,000 images and movies of child pornography. Kliebert admitted to spending 2 to 3 hours each day online viewing child pornography.
He later told investigators he hid a computer underneath a shelf in his basement to make sure his family members would not find the stash of porn.
Moreover, during a polygraph test, Kliebert admitted he had sexual contact with a young family member while giving her piano lessons.
The victim laid out the graphic details for investigators. With other accusations from suspected victims, investigators were able to form a strong case against Kliebert.
His wife and two children wrote letters to the judge asking for leniency. They said Kliebert is a loving husband and father.
Kliebert is 62-years-old and would be 82 at the time of his release if he serves a full sentence.