Teacher-student 'relationship' accusations in Orange County net one resignation, one indictment....
Two school districts in Orange County last week began dealing with allegations of improper sexual relations between teachers and students, and on Thursday, a male teacher-coach at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School resigned, even though an investigation showed no criminal acts occurred, the school district announced.
On Wednesday, an Orange County grand jury Wednesday indicted Jennifer Lea Burton, 39, a PE teacher/coach at Orangefield Junior High School on three counts of felony sexual assault and three counts of felony improper relationship between an educator and student.
Orange County District Attorney John Kimbrough said in a statement that the indictments naming Burton cover multiple occurrences between September 2008 and November 2008. Bond was set at $15,000 on each count of sexual assault and $10,000 on each count of improper relationship for a total of $75,000.
As of Thursday evening, Burton had not been arrested, according to Orange County Jail personnel.
Sherry Combs, Little Cypress-Mauriceville school district spokeswoman, said a teacher resigned Thursday after district administrators received a report on April 3 of a possible improper relationship between a teacher and student.
She said following the report, the school district immediately suspended the man with pay and the report was investigated by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and district administrators.
"Law enforcement officials found no criminal activity and no charges were filed," Combs said in a press release.
Still, the teacher resigned Thursday, effective immediately, Combs said.
In the Orangefield case, "Mrs. Burton was placed on leave from the school district last week after the school district was notified that a criminal investigation was ongoing," superintendent Philip Welch said.
He said the Orangefield school board will have a special meeting next week to discuss Burton's contract.
"The entire school community is shocked and saddened to learn that a professional teacher might be involved in any crime against a child. School district personnel will continue their focus on maintaining a safe school environment for our students," Welch said.
Each felony count against Burton carries a punishment range of from two years of probation to 20 years in prison, plus the possibility of a $10,000 maximum fine. The case has not been assigned to a district court and no trial date has been set.
Orange County has five school districts and three of them in the past 14 months have had to deal with accusations of improper relationships between educators and students.
Vidor High Assistant Principal Danny Reynolds last year was indicted on charges of sexual assault and improper relationship after allegations by a young woman in February 2008. A trial jury two months ago acquitted him of all charges in connection with the student.
He now is working in the Vidor district's administration office but has submitted a resignation to take effect this summer. His attorney said he is looking for a job in the private sector.
