Yakima teacher denies having sex with student

YAKIMA — A Yakima teacher accused of having sex with one of her students testified at her trial that it never happened.

Under questioning from her lawyer, Michele Taylor said Monday she did not have sex with the teen in pickup truck in May of last year in a parking lot. She testified she did not discuss having sex with the 16-year-old and did not approach him for a kiss or hug him.

She said the e-mails she exchanged with the student were part of a mentoring relationship.

KAPP-TV reports the case may go to the jury today after closing arguments.

Michele Taylor is charged with sexual misconduct and immoral communication with a minor.

She is on paid leave from her job as a physical education teacher at East Valley High School.

Information from: KAPP-TV, www.kapptv.com/

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