Teacher pleads not guilty in sex case involving teen boy

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Mar 17, 2009 | by Ben Winslow Deseret News

FARMINGTON -- A junior high school teacher accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to rape and sodomy charges.

Valynne Bowers, 39, was arraigned in 2nd District Court on Monday in Farmington. During her brief appearance, her attorney conditionally waived a preliminary hearing and entered not guilty pleas to rape and forcible sodomy, both first-degree felonies.

Rich Gallegos told reporters outside the courtroom that they were looking to negotiate a plea deal with Davis County prosecutors.

"We're looking at everything in the case and see what we can work out," the attorney said.

Bowers is scheduled to return to court on April 13.

As Bowers was leaving the courtroom, the judge stopped her and announced that he was implementing a no-contact order involving the boy.

"This order prohibits any contact with the alleged victim in the case," Judge Michael Allphin told her.

Bowers said nothing as she left the courthouse surrounded by a half-dozen supporters and flanked by TV cameras and reporters. She is one of two teachers at Bountiful Junior High accused of having a sexual relationship with the same teenage boy.

Linda Nef, 46, is charged with rape of a child and forcible sodomy, both first-degree felonies. Nef went to police earlier this month and admitted to a relationship with the boy that began when he was 13. The boy was once a student in Nef's Utah studies class, authorities said. Neither teacher knew about the other, police and attorneys have said.

Bowers' attorney said Monday that she feels remorseful about what happened.

"She's embarrassed and has a lot of thoughts for the victim," Gallegos said.

Nef resigned after going to Bountiful police. Bowers submitted her letter of resignation to the Davis School District last week, district spokesman Chris Williams said.

A special team of crisis counselors recently was sent to Bountiful Junior High -- at the request of teachers who wanted to meet with them.

"They have been absolutely traumatized because of what has happened," Williams said.

E-MAIL: bwinslow@desnews.com