SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah elementary school teacher charged with child kidnapping has said it was a misunderstanding after she tried to help a 5-year-old girl get home.

Teacher Amy Martz says she walked with the girl off Fox Hollow Elementary property but did not kidnap her.

Authorities say a woman reported her autistic and mostly nonverbal daughter did not come home from school Sept. 4.

Authorities say 49-year-old Martz was charged with a felony count of kidnapping Monday and was placed on administrative leave.

Martz says she didn’t know the girl was autistic and thought she knew where home was before calling administrators about their whereabouts.

Defense attorney Cara Tangaro says they agree with the facts but that it comes down to intent.

Martz faces up to life in prison if convicted.