WAILUKU - A former Iao Intermediate School substitute band teacher agreed to serve a 20-year prison term in exchange for his no-contest pleas Wednesday to 16 charges of sexually assaulting a former student.
Forty-year-old Jim Alan Balicanta of Wailuku is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 2 before 2nd Circuit Judge Rhonda Loo.
Balicanta sexually assaulted the girl over a three-year period starting when she was in the 8th grade, officials have said.
Article Photos
Former Iao Intermediate School substitute band teacher Jim Alan Balicanta pleads no contest to 16 sexual-assault charges Wednesday in 2nd Circuit Court. His plea agreement calls for him to serve a 20-year prison term.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
Since the victim came forward with the allegations in January, Balicanta has not worked as a substitute teacher, officials said. In his bail study, Balicanta reported being unemployed since then and living with his mother, who has helped support him.
During Tuesday's hearing, Loo said that even though the plea bargain states Balicanta would serve the 20-year prison term, she also could sentence him to maximum of 200 years in prison plus a $480,000 fine and even order him to an extended term of eight life sentences plus 80 years in prison.
Loo asked Balicanta if he understood what his sentences could be.
He replied, "I do."
Loo said Balicanta must register as a sex offender and comply with other conditions.
Balicanta pleaded no contest to eight counts of third-degree sexual assault and eight counts of first-degree sexual assault.
The remaining 36 sexual assault charges were dismissed in the plea agreement.
Balicanta was arrested earlier this year by a U.S. Marshal Task Force at his residence.
He has been ordered to have no contact with the victim or minors and to stay away from alcohol or illegal drugs.
He remains in custody on $750,000 bail. In May, Balicanta stayed in jail rather than have a bail hearing.
According to court records, Balicanta was born on Oahu and moved to Maui 13 to 14 years ago. He reported being divorced with no children.
