In a shocking turn of events, a former elementary school teacher of the year has pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with two minors. Jacqueline Ma, a 34-year-old educator from National City, admitted to four charges, including sexual intercourse with a minor and possession of obscene materials involving a minor.
The plea came after a lengthy investigation that began in March 2023 when a concerned parent suspected her child was having an inappropriate relationship with Ma. Police were alerted to the situation and launched an investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse.
Ma, who was once named the county’s highest teacher award recipient, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies. She was held without bail after evidence of child pornography came to light.
During a preliminary hearing, detectives detailed how Ma groomed the two boys, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, by buying them gifts and showering them with attention. She exchanged sexually charged text messages with both boys and engaged in inappropriate physical contact with John Doe 2.
Ma faces a sentence of 30 to life in prison when she is sentenced on May 9. The National City School District has released a statement expressing its shock and disappointment over Ma’s actions. The district has pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement and provide support to the victims and their families.
