Two Florida Teachers Guilty of Sex with Male Students - Updated

(Jay, Florida) On Tuesday, two former Jay High School teachers, Ashley Elenea Burkett, 32, and April Burford Watson, 33, pleaded no contest to unlawful sexual activity with male students.


Ashley Burkett - April Watson
According to Florida sentencing guidelines, the convictions carry a minimum of 33 months prison time as punishment.

When interviewed, the victims admitted to having sex with the teachers between July and October 2007.

Two of the boys had sex with Watson at her home and Burkett's home. One said he had sex with Burkett at her home and at Watson's home.

Burkett taught reading and special-education students and was the assistant coach for the volleyball team. Watson taught math and was the junior varsity cheerleader adviser.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 14.

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Two Florida Teachers Accused of Sex with Male Students
[Previous 8/7/09 post]
(Jay, Florida) Two teachers at Jay High School, Ashley Elenea Burkett, 31, and April Burford Warson, 33, were arrested yesterday afternoon for allegedly engaging in sex with three 17-year-old male students between July and October 2007. An anonymous letter sent to the school board led to the arrests.

The alleged sexual encounters reportedly occurred at Burkett's and Watson's homes.

Burkett teaches reading, special-education students and is the assistant coach for the volleyball team. Watson teaches math and is the junior varsity cheerleader adviser, according the Jay High School Web site.

“The case made public involving two teachers within our school district being charged with improper conduct with minor age children is now in the judicial system,” School Board Chairman Ed Gray said in a prepared statement. “We are confident the investigation by the sheriff’s department and the adjudication within our court system of the charges will effectively deal with the matter. The school district will cooperate with all investigating agencies in a responsible matter.”

Burkett and Watson were booked into custody at the Santa Rosa County Jail and later released on $50,000 bond each.