Paulina Walden, a former English and theatre teacher at Jenkins High School in Savannah, pleaded not guilty Monday, October 12, in a case involving alleged sexual contact with a former student.
According to WTOC, Walden requested a jury trial during her Superior Court arraignment. She faces charges of first-degree criminal improper sexual conduct by an employer or agent and child molestation.
Beyond teaching English, Walden worked on multiple plays and productions in Jenkins’ theatre department, according to WTOC’s previous reporting. She also served as a yearbook adviser and previously coached a dance and flag team.
Savannah police allege that Walden engaged in sexual activity with the student in a parking lot while her toddler was in the vehicle. Police previously testified that the child molestation charge relates to her child allegedly witnessing the incident.
Walden was arrested in May after school district police referred the allegations to Savannah police. The district said administrators had reassigned her to a location without student contact after learning of the allegations.
Walden remains out on $15,000 bond, with court-ordered restrictions on contact with the student and minors. Her next court appearance is expected in March, when a trial date may be set.