Idaho teacher accused of having sex with student

BLISS, Idaho — A high school teacher in the small, southern Idaho town of Bliss has been charged with having a sexual relationship with one of her students.

Anna M. Bettencourt, 39, of Wendell, was charged Wednesday with two counts of felony sexual battery of a minor in 5th District Court.

School district administrators say they have suspended Bettencourt with pay pending the outcome of her legal case.

Prosecutors accuse Bettencourt of having at least two sexual encounters with the male student, once in August and the other in September.

Court records state that the student told some people about the encounters, creating an environment that made it difficult for Bettencourt to teach. Police say the relationship began when the two exchanged flirtatious text messages.