Hornbeck, LOUISIANA

Pleaded guilty to carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old boy.




ARRESTED May 1, 2007 -
Maurna Thornton, 39, a Hornbeck High School teacher, was arrested, accused of felony carnal knowledge involving a 14-year-old male student.

May 2 - From Leesville Daily Leader: Superintendent Dr. Cindy Gillespie confirmed that Thornton is still employed by the Vernon Parish School Board, but that she has been on sabbatical leave since Jan. 1, 2007. Gillespie added that last week the victim's parent came to her office and described what allegedly went on between Thornton and the victim.

Gillespie explained that she instructed the parent to go to the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office and file a report.A complaint was then filed with the VPSO and an investigation began.
Full Name: Maurna Cay Thornton

PLEADED NOT GUILTY July 16 - Thornton pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2007 in front of Judge John Ford.

TRIAL SCHEDULED Jan 8, 2008 - Thornton's trial scheduled to begin Feb 11.

GUILTY May 12 - Thornton pleaded guilty May 8 to carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Pre-sentencing investigation is scheduled for July 3. Thornton will be sentenced on July 31.

SENTENCED August 1 - Thornton was sentenced to ten years, with five years suspended, followed by five years supervised probation. She will have to register as a sex offender.

SENTENCE RECONSIDERED August 8 - On August 1, Thornton's attorney filed a motion for reconsideration of sentence, a standard procedure on such cases. The new sentencing date was set for today, Aug. 8, but has been continued and re-fixed for next Wednesday.

The original sentence provided Thornton with eligibility of diminution (early release) of sentence for good behavior and five years supervised probation, however, new statutes that went into effect Jan. 1, 2008 prohibit diminution (reduction of time served) of sentence for good behavior. The new statutes were created by the Louisiana Legislature. The new sentence cannot, by virtue of the new statute, include time off for good behavior. As a result of the motion for reconsideration Wednesday, Giordano will have another opportunity to plea for a lesser sentence.