Teacher in rape case faces judge for first time

ST. GEORGE — A Hurricane High School teacher charged with five counts of rape made her first court appearance on Tuesday.

Cris Lynn Morris, 29, arrived in 5th District Court with her attorneys for an initial appearance on the first-degree felony charges.

Morris is accused of having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old boy who was also a student aide in one of her classes.

During Tuesday's hearing, Morris waived a reading of the charges against her. Morris is accused of having sex with the boy during five separate incidents at her home on Aug. 1, 2007, through Oct. 19, 2007.

Two of the encounters were outside in the back yard and three were inside the home, according to a probable cause statement filed at the time of her arrest on Oct. 24.

Defense attorney Dan McKay told Judge Eric Ludlow that they have yet to receive evidence gathered in the case against Morris.

Ludlow ordered Morris to have no contact with the student, which was not contested by her attorneys.

School district officials placed Morris, who taught social science and history classes at the high school, on administrative leave on Oct. 23, according to a district press release. Morris also served as the Hurricane High School girl's soccer and track coach.

Morris posted a $100,000 cash bond the same day she was arrested. Following the hearing, McKay declined to say when he was retained by his client, adding he would have "no comment at this time."

Ludlow scheduled a roll call hearing in the case at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 19. Morris, who is married, left the courthouse hand in hand with her husband following the short hearing.

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com