On Friday, May 9, Jacqueline Ma‘s sentencing concluded with a California jury handing the former San Diego County school teacher a 30-year-to-life prison term for sexually abusing two elementary school students. The 36-year-old educator, once celebrated for her dedication, betrayed the trust placed in her by students, parents, and the community.
According to multiple reports, Ma taught fifth and sixth grades at Lincoln Acres Elementary School in National City. In 2022, Ma’s district honored her as one of San Diego County’s Teachers of the Year, a recognition that made her a respected figure in education. But not long afterward, in March 2023, police arrested Ma after allegations surfaced of inappropriate conduct with a 12-year-old student.
“Gifts, food, and special attention”
The investigation revealed that Ma had groomed the sixth-grade boy over 10 months, sending him love letters and explicit messages. According to the prosecution, Ma gave the boys, “gifts, food, and special attention and even completed their homework for them.”
The investigation also uncovered one other similar instance of abuse involving an 11-year-old boy, leading to additional charges.
“I am deeply ashamed of my actions”
In February 2025, Ma pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges. Those included forcible lewd acts on a child and possession of child sexual abuse material. After her sentencing on May 9, Ma expressed remorse. “I am deeply ashamed of my actions,” she stated in court, acknowledging that she had “ripped away their childhood.” Because of her plea, the victims did not have to testify.
Prosecutors emphasized the severity of Ma’s betrayal, highlighting that she leveraged her position of trust to exploit her victims. Deputy District Attorney Drew Hart remarked, “This plea deal sends a message… when you leverage a position of trust… There will be significant penalties to pay.”
The National School District, where Ma was employed, expressed shock and dismay over the revelations. Superintendent Leighangela Brady stated, “Two years ago, when we learned of the allegations… we were stunned to our core.”
Superintendent Brady added, “Although she was immediately placed on unpaid status and has been detained ever since, I want to assure our school community that with this guilty plea, we are now able to formally move to terminate her employment with the district.”
A trusted authority figure
The psychological and emotional trauma inflicted on the victims is profound. Experts note that sexual abuse by a trusted authority figure can lead to long-term issues. Those might include difficulties in forming relationships and challenges in personal development.
In the wake of Ma’s sentencing, the broader community grapples with the erosion of trust in educational institutions. There have now been calls for stricter safeguards and oversight to protect students. Ma’s actions have left indelible scars on her victims and have shaken the community’s faith in its educators.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said, “No child deserves what this defendant did. Stephan added, “I hope this sentence brings a measure of justice to the victims, their families, and the community that was left reeling from this defendant’s crimes.”
Published: May 12, 2025 12:05 pm