Ex-Glenholme teacher wants jury trial

Brittany Larson, a former social worker at Devereux Glenholme School in Washington, has rejected the state's offered plea deal on charges she had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student under her supervision.

Ms. Larson, 27, of New Milford, turned down the state's attorney's offer June 1 in Superior Court in Litchfield of a 10-year prison sentence, to be suspended after 15 months, followed by 10 years of probation.

Instead, she wants her case to go to a jury trial, according to her attorney, Robert F. Dwyer Jr.

Mr. Dwyer declined to say what his argument would be in Ms. Larson's defense during the trial.

Glenholme School specializes in teaching students between the ages of 10 and 18 with Asperger's syndrome and other learning challenges.

Ms. Larson's arrest in October 2011 came on the heels of a monthlong State Police investigation that found she had been carrying on a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old male student, authorities said.

She was charged with second-degree sexual assault, a Class C felony. She was released on a $25,000 cash bond.

Ms. Larson was fired from her Glenholme position in October.

Patrick Queenan, Glenholme assistant executive director, pledged school officials would fully cooperate with "police and all state and local agencies to investigate the situation thoroughly."

The school had contacted the State Police requesting an investigation, according to Lt. J. Paul Vance, public information officer.

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