Mississippi Teacher Gets Prison in Sex Case - Updated

(Union, Mississippi) Former kindergarten teacher at Union Elementary School, Emily Suzanne Hansford, 43, pleaded guilty before Judge Vernon Cotton to sexual battery of a child under the age of 18 while in a position of trust.

As a result, Hansford was sentenced to eight years in prison.

When asked by Judge Vernon Cotten if she was pleading guilty because she was guilty, Hansford replied: "Yes, sir."

The victim's father, who was in the courtroom for the sentencing, said he was satisfied when asked by Judge Cotten about the eight-year sentence recommended by the District Attorney's office as part of a plea bargain.

Judge Cotten told the father that the damage to his son could not be undone.

"We suggest the family get proper counseling and therapy for your son to be sure he can weather this properly and view sexuality in the confines of marriage like it ought to be," he said.

In announcing his sentence, Judge Cotten told Hansford, the mother of two children, that he would accept the state's recommendation.

Hansford was also ordered to register as a sex offender.

* * * * *Mississippi Teacher and Male Student
[Previous 2/14/12 post]
(Union, Mississippi) A 43-year-old teacher at Union High School, Emily Suzanne Hansford, has been accused of sexual relations with a male student.

Hansford faces a charge of having an inappropriate relationship with a male student under the age of 16. According to Union Police Chief Billy Walker:

Police began their investigation after receiving a complaint from the boy's parents, Walker said.

Police believe that the incidents, which they wouldn't detail, took place at three locations in Neshoba County and one in Newton County.

Hansford was booked into custody and released on $75,000 bond.