High school teacher arrested on investigation of rape

A Hurricane High School teacher has been arrested on investigation of rape.

Hurricane police said Cris Lynn Morris, 29, of Washington, Washington County, was booked into the Purgatory Jail on investigation of five counts of first-degree felony rape. Police allege it stems from a sexual relationship she had with a male student.

"Under Utah law, a juvenile student is incapable of consenting to sexual relations with a teacher," the Hurricane Police Department said in a statement released late Wednesday afternoon. "Under the law, sexual intercourse without legal consent constitutes rape."

Hurricane police officials declined to comment further on the case, referring questions to the Washington County Attorney's Office. No one answered the phone at the prosecutor's office Wednesday afternoon.

Criminal charges had not yet been filed against Morris, whom jail officials said was released after posting $100,000 bond.

"As always, these charges are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty," Hurricane police said in their statement.

Hurricane High School's Web site said Morris taught social science classes there. The Washington County School District said Morris has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

A woman who answered the phone at Morris' home declined to comment on the arrest.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com