Published: July 31, 2009 09:51 pm      

Ex-OF teacher seeks trial to face charges

Jennifer Lea Burton, 40, former Orangefield Junior High School coach and teacher, appeared before Judge Pat Clark in the 128th District Court Friday to announce she will seek a trial to face the charges of sexual assault of a child and improper relationship between an educator and student.

As a show of support about a dozen people waited in the court room while Burton stood before the judge. After the announcement Burton smiled and hugged her supporters in the hallway before leaving the courthouse.

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.

The state has offered Burton a five-year plea deal, but her attorney, Larry Hunter, said the offer was “unacceptable.”

However, Clark informed Burton, if she is found guilty on each charge, “the court has the option of stacking the sentences.”

Hunter said he feels Burton’s case is a “probation case.”

“A judge cannot give her probation; only a jury who has heard the facts of the case can do so,” Hunter said. “It’s not like it’s being unreasonable. We’re only going by the fact finders of the jury,” Hunter said.

Hunter added he thinks Burton needs to tell her story. The defense also has accumulated a list of about 40 people who may testify on Burton’s behalf, one of which is noted psychiatrist Dr. Edward Grippon.

According to Corey Kneeland, assistant district attorney, Burton has six pending indictments which can all be tried individually. Each case is a second degree felony which carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.

If convicted the judge has the option of running the sentences concurrently or consecutively.

“I think it’s a situation where John (Kimbrough, Orange County district attorney) wants a pound of flesh from this lady,” Hunter said.

Although the case is not scheduled yet on the court docket, Burton could go to trial as early as October.

“Jennifer Burton did announce trial today and she will be set at the next available trial slot not currently occupied by someone incarcerated,” Kneeland said.

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 is 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.