NATCHEZ — A former teacher accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student pleaded not guilty to the charge against her in the matter.

Stephanie L. Adams, 39, was a first-grade teacher at Adams County Christian School when she allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student between January and May 2014.

The relationship was reportedly discovered when the alleged victim’s parents read text messages exchanged between the two.

An Adams County grand jury indicted her this month on a charge of touching a child for lustful purposes.

Following a brief court appearance during which Adams entered her not guilty pleading through her attorney, Tim Cotton.

Judge Al Johnson said Adams would be allowed to remain free on the $25,000 bond she had previously posted while she awaits trial.

Cotton also requested discovery of the state’s evidence for review, which Johnson also ordered.