FORMER SNOOK TEACHER’S AIDE GETS 10 YEAR PRISON SENTENCE
(Burleson Co. Jail)
A Burleson County jury has sentenced a former teacher's aide at Snook High School to 10 years in prison after her conviction on eight counts – three of sexual assault and five of improper relationship between teacher and student.
Deanna Lara will serve the sentences on each count concurrently. Lara is eligible for parole in five years.
Lara was found guilty Wednesday. The jury handed down the verdict Thursday afternoon at the Burleson County Courthouse.
The prosecution claimed Lara handpicked each student and manipulated them by giving them gifts so they wouldn't tell parents or other teachers.
Lara was arrested in December 2015 for improper relationship with a student. The victims say the relations began back in October of that year.
She was later indicted on seven charges of improper relationship with a student and three charges of sexual assault of a child. Burleson County later abandoned two of those initial charges.
Lara resigned her position with Snook ISD after the initial allegations in December 2015. She is prohibited from returning to teaching.