UPDATE: Orangefield teacher chooses to fight charges in a trial

It's one of several recent investigations into Orange County teachers accused of improper relationships with their students.

The case involving a female coach in Orangefield is the second one with the potential of going to trial.

Former Vidor High Vice Principal Danny Reynolds Jr. was acquitted in February. Former Bridge City High Math teacher Megan Sparks pleaded guilty on Thursday.  Now a former Orangefield Junior High teacher and coach is choosing to go to trial and fight several criminal charges, accusing her of having a relationship with a female student

In April a grand jury indicted 39-year-old Jennifer Lea Burton for three counts of sexual assault and three counts of improper relationship between a teacher and student. Soon after the indictment she resigned from the Orangefield ISD.

Prosecutors say the charges against Burton are based on accusations that she assaulted the Junior High student between September and November of last year.

Prosecutor Cory Kneeland says if the case goes to trial, there might be more than one, because of the number of charges.  But it may not get that far.

Kneeland said, "Defense counsel still has the opportunity to come to the D.A.'s office and discuss a resolution to this case that would be fair and see that justice is appropriate."

Burton's attorney, Larry Hunter, tells KFDM, "We just want justice."

Prosecutor Kneeland says if that justice is sought in a courtroom, the state will be ready.

He said, "The state does look forward to presenting the evidence as we have, I cannot comment on that, however, the state intends to pursue justice in a trial setting."

Prosecutors say if the case does get to a courtroom, they hope to have it there by the fall.

If convicted, burton could face a punishment ranging from probation to 20 years.