July 16, 2004
Albany-- Carla Murray, the 31-year-old former Westover High School English teacher made her first appearance before Judge Denise Marshall early this morning.
Defense attorney Howard Stiller told the court, "She pleads innocent to these charges."
Investigators say Murray had sex with a 17-year-old male student at a local motel in February.
Dougherty D.A. Ken Hodges said, "Older than the age for child molestation, so the charge will be sexual assault with a person in custody." Thirteen love notes she wrote to the student were found in his locker. "The notes read 'It pleases me that you want me as much as I want you.' 'The smell of your cologne mixed with sweat.' 'The sounds you make while... the touch of your hands, the taste of your mouth. There's more, but I won't embarrass myself by mentioning them.'
In April, Murray was taken out of the classroom and placed on administrative leave, and then officially resigned. School administrators found out from other students. And those students led investigators to believe there were other boys involved sexually with Murray.
Hodges said, "We have heard allegations of others and we will investigate that. Of course that will protract the time period before we can bring it to trial. We want to make sure we get everything."
Married but childless, Murray had been a teacher at Westover High for four years. She taught at high schools in Peach County and Macon from 1995 to 2000. The Professional Standards Commission is also investigating Murray, to see if her teaching certificate will be revoked.
Carla Murray was released on a $10,000 bond. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison, and a five thousand dollar fine.
posted at 1:40PM by dave.miller@walb.com
Carla Murray and her attorney, Howard Stiller.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WALB, a Raycom Media Station. 
