A San Diego elementary school teacher is facing additional charges after police found a photo of a student in her wallet, along with other evidence that indicated an inappropriate relationship.
According to Fox News Digital, 34-year-old Jacqueline Ma was arrested again last week, marking the second time this month she’s been cuffed. She’s been charged with 15 counts in connection with the sexual abuse of a minor.
Ma, an elementary school teacher at Lincoln Acres Elementary in the National City School District, appeared in court Monday at the Superior Court South County Division in Chula Vista, where prosecutors said they found a photo in her wallet of the 13-year-old victim.
Ma was also in possession of jewelry with the victim’s initials on it, love letters, and a text message exchange that allegedly showed Ma getting frustrated when the victim didn’t message her back in time.
Prosecutors said Ma pressured the child to send her inappropriate images and sent nude videos of herself when the victim was 12 years old.
“This defendant maintained a relationship with this child for months, maybe even more than a year, when she began grooming him, giving him gifts, helping him with school, and praising him,” deputy district attorney for San Diego County, Drew Hart, said.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, a statement to NBC 7, District Superintendent Leighangela Brady provided a statement to NBC 7 following the accusations.
“We know that our entire school community is as stunned as we were by this news. The district will cooperate with law enforcement and cannot comment any further on the pending investigation. We will continue to do everything possible to keep our students’ safety, needs, and education first and foremost,” Brady’s statement read, in part.
Ma was released on bond on March 7, following her first arrest for lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and of oral copulation with a child under 14. She was arrested again on March 8 and charged with witness intimidation and child pornography.
Brady released an additional statement following the most recent arrest.
“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,” Brady said.
Ma pleaded not guilty to all charges. She remains behind bars without bail.
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[Feature Photo: Jacqueline Ma/ San Diego County Office of Education]
