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SALT LAKE CITY -- A former Bountiful Junior High School teacher pleaded not guilty Thursday morning on charges she had sex with a student.
The 15-year-old alleged victim admitted he initiated the relationship with Bowers, who was his former math teacher.
He told prosecutors he began texting her in December of last year, gave her guitar lessons and said that led to sex. He said they would meet at Bowers' home on Friday nights.
Bowers is now charged with first-degree felony sex abuse of a child.
Rich Gallegos, Bowers' attorney, said the facts in the case weren't consistent with that charge because it implied the boy was forced to act against his will.
Gallegos said, "I think based upon the preliminary hearing, clearly nothing was done against this young kid's will. In fact, I think he was the instigator."
Bowers' attorney said his client was open to a plea deal as long as it fit the crime.
She is the second teacher accused of having an inappropriate relationship with the boy. Linda Nef pleaded guilty to the charges against her -- and is now serving a sentence of three years to life in prison.
