Texas Teacher Gets 10 Years in Sex Case - Updated

(Orange, Texas) Former PE teacher and coach Jennifer Lea Burton, 39, was sentenced today by District Judge Pat Clark during a plea bargain hearing.

He sentenced her to ten years each on two charges of sexual assault and one charge of improper relationship between educator and student.

As part of the plea bargain, one charge of sexual assault and two charges of improper relationship were dismissed.

All three 10-year sentences are to be served concurrently and Burton must register as a sex offender.

There's no explanation reported for Burton's life-changing irrational behavior. Typically, similar cases have been accompanied with excuses of mental health problems or psychological trauma. Not so in Burton's case. Strangely, she seemed to have just flipped one day from being a responsible, productive member of the community to a child molester. Of course, there is the possibility that Burton has been behaving badly for a long time but never got caught before now.

In conclusion, for episode(s) of sexual gratification with a minor, Burton traded her career, her marriage, her family and her good name. She's left with a 10-year stretch in prison and, subsequently, a future with no attractive options. It's a sad story. (h/t Lame)

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Texas Teacher Jailed Again in Sex Case - Updated
[Previous 8/18/09 post]
(Orange, Texas) In April, Jennifer Lea Burton turned herself in to faces allegations of sex with a female student. She posted bond and was released.

In July, Burton rejected a plea offer and indicated she would go to trial. Unfortunately, plans may change because Burton has more troubles.

Recent information surfaced last week accusing Burton of continuing sexual relations with a 14-year-old former student. Burton and the girl had allegedly met at various locations including an Orange residence and a Winnie motel, according to sources close to the family.

As a result, Burton — along with her attorney, Larry Hunter — appeared before Judge Pat Clark of the 128th District Court Monday afternoon for a “show cause” hearing, at which a motion for insufficient bond was made. Bonds were then re-set at $30,000 each on the six charges against her.

Therefore, Burton is back in jail with a total bond amount set at $180,000. The status of Burton's case is unclear because of the latest development but it's assumed that a new plea deal will be offered, probably less generous than the previous one.

Tipped by commenter Lame.

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Texas Teacher Indicted for Sex with Student
[Previous 4/9/09 post]
(Orange, Texas) A 39-year-old physical education teacher and coach at Orangefield Junior High School, Jennifer Lea Burton, has been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges for allegedly engaging in an improper relationship and sexually assaulting a student.

The alleged offenses reportedly occurred between September and November 2008 and the victim is a student at Orangefield Junior High. Mrs. Burton coaches volleyball, basketball and track at the school.

Orange County District Attorney John Kimbrough said the next step in the process is for Burton to either turn herself in to authorities or she will be arrested.

“It is not like there is a manhunt out for her, but she does need to turn herself in or she will be arrested,” Kimbrough said.

Interestingly, Mrs. Burton has a daughter who attends the eighth-grade at Orangefield Junior High. Mrs. Burton's bond has been set at $75,000.