REDLANDS TEACHER SEX: Judge Denies Whitehurst Release, Bail Now $500,000, Prosecution Offers Deal

A Redlands high school teacher who is accused of 41 sex felonies in connection with alleged relations she had with three former students, including one she conceived a baby with, appeared in court Friday July 26 in San Bernardino.

Superior Court Judge Art Harrison denied a defense motion to release Laura Elizabeth Whitehurst, 28, on her own recognizance, and reduced her bail to $500,000.

Whitehurst has been held at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga since her arrest July 8, when prosecutors filed charges against her.

Her defense attorney, James R. Gass of Redlands, told Harrison that Whitehurst does not present a flight risk.

Deputy District Attorney Melissa Rodriguez argued that Whitehurst has tried to contact one of her alleged victims, who she conceived a baby with.

Rodriguez told reporters after the hearing in San Bernardino Superior Court, Department 22, that a plea offer has been made to Whitehurst, which will be addressed at her next hearing, on Wednesday July 31.

Stay with Redlands-Loma Linda Patch for more details on Friday's hearing later today.

Update 2:15 p.m. Here's more from court with video.

REDLANDS TEACHER SEX UPDATE: Prosecutor Says There is 'Another Victim,' Attempts Were Made to Contact Teen Father of Her Baby