LAURENS, S.C. -- Allenna Ward, a former English and math teacher, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of having sex with students.

Ward pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and three counts of lewd acts on a minor.

"Today I publicly admit my guilt and would like to apologize," Ward said to the judge.

Attorneys said there was no plea agreement in the case.

Ward was a teacher at Bell Street Middle School in Clinton when she was arrested in February. Police said she had sex with at least five boys ages 14 and 15 years old.

"It's no excuse," said Solicitor Jerry Peace, the prosecuting attorney. "She was in a position of authority. She had the trust of the community to treat these kids right. She needs to go to jail."

Ward was fired from her teaching position when she was arrested.

The judge was expected to sentence Ward in about four to six weeks.

"She's thrown herself on the mercy of the court," said Peace. "The judge could give her up to 105 years if he wanted to do that."