Coach Indicted on New Charges
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The Haywood High School teacher charged with one count of inappropriate behavior with her 14-year old student was indicted Tuesday. She faces 19 counts. Shanda Franks is charged with 5 counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, 5 counts of aggravated statutory rape and 9 counts of sexual battery by an authority figure. “It’s never good to be a criminal defendant … ever…it will be a hard fight and it’s very serious for all parties concerned,” say Leslie Ballin, the attorney representing Franks. Ballin says Franks has been relieved of her duties as a coach and teacher pending the results of this situation. He says it’s his understanding that Franks is living with a family member and not working at this time. “She maintains her innocence… she’s set for arraignment on Friday of this week… I’ve not seen the indictment,” says Ballin.
