Published: July 10, 2009 05:17 pm      

Former OF teacher seeks trial on sexual assault charges

Jennifer Lea Burton, former Orangefield Junior High School coach and teacher, through her attorney, Larry Hunter, has announced she will go to trial to face the charges of sexual assault of a child and improper relationship between an educator and student.

Burton’s indictment was handed down in April by the Orange County grand jury of three counts for each charge. The cases covered a period from September 2008 through November 2008 while working as a teacher/coach at Orangefield Junior High School; the victim was a student of the same school.

Following the announcement, Hunter said, “We just want justice.”

Corey Kneeland, Orange County assistant district attorney, said the defense still has the opportunity to discuss a plea bargain agreement even though it was announced they wanted a trial.

“It’s still very early in the process,” Kneeland said.

Kneeland said he hopes to go to trial in late summer or early fall to seek quick justice for the victim, although the date has not been determined at this time.

“Due to the nature of the case, the state will seek a special setting,” Kneeland said.

Kneeland added, with the multiple indictments, Burton could potentially have to face more than one trial.

Burton, 40, has three second degree felony counts of sexual assault of a child pending against her. If convicted she faces up to 20 years in prison. In addition, she has three counts of an improper relationship between an educator and student which is a third degree felony and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. In addition, if convicted, the judge could “stack” the number of years sentenced on the charges or choose to run them concurrently.

Burton turned herself into the Orange County Jail following the indictment. Bond was set at $15,000 on each count of sexual assault and $10,000 on each count of improper relationship. She posted bond and since then she has remained out of jail.

Orangefield Independent School District officials placed Burton on leave on March 30 after learning of the matter and of a criminal investigation being initiated.

Burton, a 1987 graduate of Orangefield High School, has been teaching within the district since 2003. As part of her teaching job, she coached volleyball, basketball and track, according to Orange Leader archives.



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2603 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.