YAKIMA -- Michele Taylor had plenty of moral support during her first court appearance. About a dozen family members, including her husband, watched as Taylor was arraigned on charges of sexual misconduct with a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. She's pleading not guilty. Taylor will remain free, although the judge says she's forbidden from leaving Yakima County. The judge also ruled that Taylor can't have contact with any minors except her 5-year-old triplets and other relatives. Her trial date is set for December 21st.

Sheriff's investigators say they have evidence Taylor had sex with a 16-year-old student in the Kmart parking lot last May. They say another student, this one 15, was also talking to Taylor. They say she invited him to her home and sent him a sexy photo. Investigators say they have records of over 500 text messages between Taylor and the two students.

Despite the circumstances, Taylor continues to get a paycheck from the East Valley district. She was put on paid administrative leave in June after teaching high school phys. ed. for about four years. The district still hasn't gotten a statement from Taylor about the charges. Mike Patterson, the attorney for East Valley schools, says a meeting has been delayed because the district didn't want to jeopardize the county's criminal investigation. School officials will finally meet with Taylor this Wednesday, although Patterson says he doesn't expect she'll talk.

"We don't anticipate she will, but she certainly has the opportunity to do so," says Patterson. "We may at that time be issuing a letter of termination."

This case is attracting national attention. A camera crew from Inside Edition joined local media today at the courthouse.