A former Salpointe Catholic High School teacher has been indicted on charges pertaining to her alleged relationship with a 17-year-old student.

According to an indictment that was unsealed Friday, Rebecca Lee Kelley, 24, is facing four counts of sexual conduct with a minor under 18.

The charge is a Class 6 felony, punishable by probation or up to 2 years in prison.

The indictment alleges Kelley engaged in sexual activity with the teenager, but stops short of alleging she had sex with the boy.

Kelley entered a plea of "not guilty" during her arraignment Friday, said defense attorney Stephen M. Weiss.

"This has really had a devastating affect on her," Weiss said. "It's a totally unfortunate situation, but the truth is, from our perspective, that all inappropriate conduct doesn't equal criminal conduct."

Once he has reviewed the state's evidence and the grand jury transcript, Weiss said he will work toward a resolution that will be in the "best interest" of his client and the teenager.

Last month, administrators at the school, 1545 E. Copper St., contacted the Tucson Police Department after learning Kelley might be having a sexual relationship with the boy.

The following day, Tucson police searched her home, taking DNA from her, samples of her couch, living-room rug, love seat, mattress and floor in the bedroom, court documents state.

Kelley was actually indicted April 6, but the indictment remained sealed until she appeared in court Friday.

Although Salpointe officials say Kelley resigned her position, Weiss said an attorney might question whether it was tendered "voluntarily and knowingly."

Kelley began teaching at the school in the spring of 2005 as a student teacher, Weiss said. She was hired full-time in May 2005 and taught literature.

Kelley was released from custody on her own recognizance.

She is scheduled to appear in Pima County Superior Court June 1.

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©The Arizona Daily Star, 2006