SAN DIEGO – Jacqueline Ma, a former “Teacher of the Year” from National City, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to several charges of sexual misconduct. The charges stemmed from her unlawful conduct involving minors.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Ma’s guilty plea, which includes four counts of sexual misconduct, such as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor and possessing explicit material involving minors. Following her guilty plea, Ma faces a potential prison sentence of 30 years to life, with sentencing scheduled for May 9.
Ma, a sixth-grade teacher at Lincoln Acres Elementary School, was arrested in March 2023 after being accused of inappropriate sexual contact with two former students. The case shocked the local community, especially after it was revealed that Ma had been recognized as “Teacher of the Year” in 2022 for San Diego County.
During a court hearing in December 2023, evidence emerged in the form of explicit messages exchanged between Ma and one of the alleged victims. These messages included disturbing content, such as: “Do not forget my underwear is in your pocket,” and “I love you too, like I’m actually in love with you.”
The news of her arrest left former students and community members in disbelief. “My heart fell when I heard the news,” said Yajaira Cervantes, a former student of Ma. “She was always so sweet and caring. I never imagined she could do something like this.”
Another former student, Daisy Torres, shared her confusion after seeing Ma at school events. “She would say she was there to support former students, but now I wonder how she was involved with them,” Torres said.
In reflecting on the situation, Cervantes remarked, “It’s hard to believe someone we trusted could have these intentions for so long. It’s a wake-up call that we missed the signs.”
ABC 10News reached out to Ma’s legal team and the National School District for comment, but as of the latest report, there had been no response.
