A previous California “Teacher of the Year” confessed to sexually assaulting two elementary students, weeping as she entered a guilty plea in court.
Jacqueline Ma, 35, from San Diego, was taken into custody in 2023 and accused of having sexual relations with two of her students, aged 11 and 12 at the time, according to Fox 5 San Diego.
Prosecutors noted that one of the relationships endured for months, previously describing her as “obsessive” and “dangerous,” as reported by KGTV.
“At the time of her arrest, she possessed a photo of the victim in her wallet, jewelry featuring his initials, and love letters were found in her classroom,” Deputy District Attorney Drew Hart stated earlier, CBS8 reported.
Prosecutors claimed that Ma sent explicit images to the student and pressured him into sending explicit videos in return. Hart stated that the unacceptable conduct started when the victim was 12 years old.
Ma’s trial was set to start in April.
However, on Wednesday, February 5, in an unexpected plea agreement with prosecutors for a reduced sentence, Ma admitted guilt to four felony charges, reports The San Diego Union-Tribune.
This comprised two charges of indecent acts with a child below 14, involving coercion; an indecent act with another child under 14; and possessing material featuring a minor participating in or simulating sexual activity, according to the Union-Tribune.
In the courtroom, when the judge inquired about her guilt, she replied, “Guilty,” as tears streamed down her face, based on footage from Fox 5 San Diego.
“According to our office’s viewpoint, it was crucial that these charges be classified not merely as sex offenses, but as sex offenses committed under duress, and that is what she pleaded to,” Hart stated, as reported by Fox 5 San Diego.
According to the Union-Tribune, Ma had taught fifth and sixth grades in the National School District since 2013.
Prosecutors stated that both of her victims were students at Lincoln Acres Elementary School, where Ma worked as a teacher, during the incidents of abuse.
In August 2022, she was one of five educators recognized as San Diego County Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 academic year.
“This meant a lot to us, not only due to her receiving an award, but also because of her role in the community,” Hart stated, according to Fox 5 San Diego. “We believe this plea agreement communicates a message to the community, not only regarding sexual offenses against children, but also about abusing a position of trust and exploiting the good faith of parents in the community towards their children; there will be serious consequences for such actions.”
Ma is facing a sentence of 30 years to life imprisonment.
Her sentencing is set for May 9.
If you or someone you are familiar with has experienced sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to get connected with a certified crisis counselor.