Local

Ex-teacher pleads guilty to having sexual relationship with teen girl

A former Brevard County teacher arrested on charges of having an affair with a student admitted his guilt Monday.

Dennis Turner, 60, was facing possible life in prison, but he negotiated a plea deal.

Turner was arrested in July 2012.

The former drama teacher pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sexual battery by a person in custodial authority, labeling him a sexual predator.

Turner had an affair with a female student from 2003 to 2006, when he taught at Edgewood Junior-Senior High School on Merritt Island.

The victim was 15 years old when the relationship began.

“Well, it wasn't quite the teacher-student relationship it should have been. It should have remained strictly teacher-student,” said Assistant State Attorney Julia Lynch.
The victim told investigators some of the incidents happened at school, during school hours; Other encounters took place at the victim's home.
Prosecutors said they consulted with the victim before and during the negotiated plea with Turner, who is facing a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison.

"It's a total of 30 years. And, whatever he doesn't serve in prison, will be served under sex offender probation," said Lynch.

Sentencing is set for May 6.

Cox Media Group

Most Read