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BOUNTIFUL -- A former Bountiful Junior High School teacher accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student has turned down a plea deal.
Prosecutor Rick Westmoreland said, "Their statement has always been that she wants to take responsibility. It doesn't seem to be that way."
Valynne Bowers, 40, faces a potential life sentence if convicted of rape and sodomy.
Prosecutors had offered a plea deal, but Bowers' defense said he doesn't believe the charges against his client fit the crime.
So now the case is going to trial.
Defense attorney Rich Gallegos said, "We've tried to come to a middle ground, we weren't able to get there. So ultimately a jury of her peers will have to decide."
Another teacher at the school, Linda Nef is already serving prison time after pleading guilty to having sex with the same student.
