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Jacqueline Ma: ‘Teacher of the Year' accused of having sex with 13-yr-old student faces 30-year sentence

If convicted of all 15 charges, Jacqueline Ma could face up to 29 years in state prison

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NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: A sixth-grade teacher at Lincoln Acres Elementary, who was arrested and charged for an “inappropriate relationship” with her 13-year-old former student, pleaded not guilty on Monday, March 13. Jacqueline Ma, 34, was originally released on bond after her first arrest on March 7, when she was charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and three counts of oral copulation with a child under 14. She was arrested again on March 9.

Deputy District Attorney Drew Hart described Ma as "obsessive, possessive, controlling, and dangerous," according to Fox5. In his argument to keep Ma in custody without bail, he said on March 13 that Ma began the sexual relationship with the boy when he was 12 and added, "When she was arrested, she had a photograph of the victim in her wallet, she had jewelry with his initials, love letters were discovered in her classroom. In some of the messages, she expressed frustration at the child for not responding to the situation quicker. She expressed jealousy when the victim was talking to other girls." Hart said, "In these messages, the defendant was persistent in sending illicit photographs of herself to the victim and then soliciting the victim to do the same." 

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The attorney narrated, "She would persistently direct him to engage in sex acts while he was at home and record them. The victim expressed at times, not willingness to go along with some of the activities or uncomfortableness with the activities, but that did not stop the defendant from continuing to message." Defense Attorney Mario Vela argued for Ma's release on her own recognizance. Vela said, “I don’t believe that the people are able to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the most restrictive means is that she remains in custody, especially on a no bail hold."

After Ma's second arrest on March 9, National School District Superintendent Leighangela Brady said, "Our community learned that Jacqueline Ma, a teacher at Lincoln Acres Elementary School, was re-arrested by law enforcement as their continued investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with minors secured additional information to press felony charges. While this entire situation is indeed deeply troubling, we appreciate that law enforcement is dedicating resources to secure the facts and keeping our school district and community informed of their progress. I am grateful to our entire school community for facing this situation with a shared commitment to do all that we can to maintain our children's education without interruption," states DailyMail.

'She should NEVER teach again'

The teacher's arrest has generated significant public anger. A Twitter user shared their anguish writing, "Jacqueline Ma should NEVER teach again….Shame on her!!" Another wrote, "Seems few people can be trusted with youth." On the other hand, a concerned user commented, "Not sure if this is a shock or a prerequisite in the new education system."

An individual wrote, "Seems to be happening more often as the moral standards are muddied by the woke brigade. Nothing will happen." Meanwhile, another expressed their shock at the fact that Ma had won laurels as a teacher. "Who votes for Teacher of the Year, 13 year olds?" the tweet read.

Ma could get 29 years in prison

Superior Court Judge Carlos Varela on March 13 ordered Ma to remain held without bail, citing her placement in a "position of trust" towards the victim, reports 10News. Ma was one of the five San Diego educators chosen as "Teachers of the Year" in 2022. The award profile stated that she "considers the relationships she maintains with her students her greatest accomplishments," as previously reported. She has a bail review scheduled for March 16. If convicted of all 15 charges, Ma faces up to 29 years in state prison, states Fox5.

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