Former 'Teacher of the Year' Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Two Students

Jacqueline Ma, a celebrated California educator, admitted in court to engaging in lewd acts with two boys, ages 11 and 12, and faces up to 30 years in prison.

Jacqueline Ma, a former teacher at Lincoln Acres Elementary School, was arrested in 2023 after allegations of abuse involving two of her students surfaced.
Ma pleaded guilty to four felony counts, including lewd acts with children under 14 and possessing explicit material involving minors.
Prosecutors described Ma's behavior as obsessive and manipulative, noting she coerced the boys into inappropriate relationships and sent them explicit images.
Evidence included love letters, explicit messages, and a photograph of one victim found in Ma's wallet, according to investigators.
Ma's sentencing is scheduled for May 9, where she could face 30 years to life in prison as part of a plea deal avoiding a potential 165-year sentence.