IDAHO FALLS - A Sandcreek Middle School teacher accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student pled guilty in court Wednesday.

Kari Atkinson pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd conduct with a minor. In the plea agreement, three charges will be dropped. Her maximum penalty is life in prison with a $50,000 fine.

According to prosecutors, texts and photos illustrated the teacher-student relationship. The evidence shows it apparently took place over a four-to-six month period.

The next step for Atkinson will be a pre-sentence investigation. That will be held Dec 17. She also has to attend psycho-sexual counseling and continue to have no contact with the victim.

Atkinson taught at Sandcreek Middle School in Ammon.