HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. – Former Rust College professor Sylvester Oliver has pleaded guilty to the sexual battery of a student.
Oliver had been accused of forcing himself on the student more than two years ago and was set to go on trial in Marshall County Circuit Court this week. Instead, He accepted a plea agreement that does not involve jail time unless he violates his probation. Under terms of the agreement, Oliver will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
The plea deal ends the criminal case against him. But, a larger civil case is still pending in federal court. That case was initiated by the victim in the criminal case, but list several other women as plaintiffs. All of them accuse Oliver of sexual misconduct dating back years. Rust College and its president are also named as defendants. The women claim the college knew of Oliver’s alleged misconduct, but rehired him anyway. The case is scheduled to go to trial next spring.
