Former Jenkins High teacher pleads not guilty in case involving student

by Madalyn Bierster

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A former Jenkins High School English and theatre teacher appeared in Superior Court for the first time Monday, accused of sexual relations with a student while her toddler was in the backseat of her car. Paulina Walden pleaded not guilty at her arraignment and requested a trial by jury.

Case stems from November incident

Walden has been out of jail on a $15,000 bond. She is accused of driving one of her former students home in November but stopping at a parking lot, where the two reportedly engaged in sexual relations. Savannah police say this happened while her young child was in the backseat.

Paulina Walden requests jury trial at first Superior Court appearance

Walden is charged with criminal improper sexual conduct by an employer or agent in the first degree and child molestation.

Police said, in a previous court hearing, the child molestation charge stems from the child being a witness.

Evidence presented in earlier hearing

Prosecutors previously presented evidence including poems recovered from Walden’s cellphone, photos of the vehicle in the parking lot where she said the incident took place, and possible DNA evidence. Prosecutors say a plea offer has not yet been given.

Walden is expected back in court in March, when a judge is expected to set a trial date.

Paulina Walden, 35, was arrested an hour after school dismissal on Friday. She worked heavily with the theatre program at the high school and worked at multiple schools prior to Jenkins High.

A judge has ordered Walden to stay away from the teenage victim, including through social media, and to avoid contact with anyone under 18 years old. There is a DFACS plan in place for visitation with her child.