ST. ALBANS, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont elementary school worker has been charged with sending nude photos of herself to a 10-year-old student.

Prosecutors say 33-year-old Josie Spears, of Highgate, sent explicit photos of herself earlier this month to a fourth-grader who attends Highgate Elementary School, where Spears works.

She was arrested on Monday and faces a felony lewd and lascivious conduct charge. WCAX-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2mrSJN7 ) she pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.

Court documents allege Spears told the child she loved him and planned to get him a Valentine's Day present.

Authorities say she also told the boy he should've come over when her boyfriend left for the night.

Spears has been placed on paid leave from the school.

Defense attorney Jessica Burke says they look forward to telling her client's side of the story.

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Information from: WCAX-TV, http://www.wcax.com

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