A former high school staff member pleaded guilty to third degree sexual abuse and was sentenced on Aug. 27 for the charge.
Jennifer Rae Burton 52, was arrested by Albany police on Feb. 2 and was initially charged with second degree sexual abuse of a minor and second degree online sexual corruption of a child, both of which are classified as class ‘C’ felonies.
She was working as a health secretary at Lebanon High School during the time that allegations arose. According to court documents, Burton in 2018 unlawfully subjected a male student under the age of 18 to sexual intercourse and used online communication to solicit a child for sexual contact or sexually explicit conduct, with the intent of gratifying her own sexual desires.
She pleaded guilty on Aug. 27 to a lesser charge of third degree sexual abuse – a class ‘A’ misdemeanor – and the second degree online sexual corruption of a child charge was dismissed. The court sentenced Burton to 45 days jail, 36 months supervised probation and a $100 fine.
She must register as a sex offender. During her probation, Burton cannot have unsupervised contact with minors except apart of her immediate family, cannot frequent places designated for the primary use of children (parks, schools, etc.), cannot have contact with the victim, and she must complete a sex offender evaluation program and any recommended treatment program.