Plea hearing for Marshall ISD teacher accused of improper relationship moved to January

MARSHALL, Texas (KLTV) - A judge has moved the plea hearing for a former Marshall ISD teacher accused of having an improper relationship with a student to Jan. 8.

According to the Marshall Police Department, in February 2024, Margaret Claire Burris, 25, of Marshall, was accused of sending sexually explicit text messages and images to a student at Marshall ISD.

Upshur County District Attorney Barry Wallace said Burris was set to plead guilty Tuesday, but the hearing was held up by a disagreement between the state and the defense over whether Burris would serve her sentence in the Upshur County Jail or the Harrison County Jail.

Wallace also said the victim’s family had not been notified of the hearing.

Visiting Judge Rebecca Simpson reset the plea hearing for 2 p.m. Jan. 8.

Burris’ defense requested the trial venue be changed to Upshur County in May of 2025.

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