A counselor at a private school in Mobile is accused of knowingly failing to report sexual misconduct between a student and a now-former teacher at the school.

In September, a Mobile County Grand Jury levied a two-count indictment against former Faith Academy teacher Jonathan Sauers, charging him with having sexual intercourse and sexual contact with a student under the age of 19.

Sauers had been arrested last March after the 16-year-old girl told her parents about the relationship, which she said was consensual, according to court records. A police affidavit states Sauers admitted to the relationship, but he had pleaded not guilty in court.

Thursday, the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office said school counselor Carrie Meredith knew of the suspected sexual misconduct, but failed to report it to the Department of Human Resources, as required by state law.

The mandatory reporting requirement applies to both private and public schools.

The district attorney’s office says the investigation into Sauers’ relationship with the student uncovered a witness who said Meredith was “informed of an inappropriate act by then-Faith Academy teacher Jonathan Sauers to a student,” according to the release issued by the DA’s office.

District Attorney Keith Blackwood noted the charge against Meredith is a misdemeanor, but called this type of case a “priority” for his office.

“Ms. Meredith is a mandatory reporter of the State of Alabama,” Blackwood said. “Under the Alabama statute, Ms. Meredith is required to report these types of allegations that come before her.”

Meredith, 33, was charged Jan. 31. She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment Feb. 1. A bench (non-jury) trial is set before Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Zack Moore on March 5.

If found guilty, Meredith faces up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $500.

A status hearing for Sauers’ case is set for March 7, after which Circuit Court Judge Ben Brooks is expected to set a trial date, according to court records.