Former teacher’s trial scheduled

The jury trial of a former North Fayette High School teacher and girls’ varsity basketball coach has been scheduled to begin Wednesday, Sept. 11. According to court documents, James Hanson has pled not guilty to sexual exploitation by a school employee.

In addition, a final pretrial conference will be held Wednesday, Sept. 4. 

The court documents filed in Fayette County District Court on June 10 state that plea negotiations should be completed by the pretrial conference because the court may impose a deadline upon court approval of any plea agreement.

All timely filed pending motions will be ruled upon at pretrial unless an earlier hearing date is requested or the motion is ordered to be heard by the trial judge.

The charge filed against Hanson is a Class D felony, and, if he is convicted, carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.