National City teacher accused of ‘forceable sex act’ on student appears in court
Jacqueline Ma, a 34-year-old teacher from National City, appeared in court for the second time this week, after being accused of sexual misconduct with a child.
Her attorney urged the court to grant her a pretrial release, arguing that it was unnecessary to hold her on a no-bail status.
The prosecutor, however, argued that Ma should remain on a no-bail status, as she was accused of contacting the victim after she was first arrested, using a messaging app with a special setting called vanish mode.
Ma is also facing a witness intimidation charge, as she allegedly attempted to reach out to the minor.
The defense disputed the accusation, stating that Ma did not reach out to the former student after posting bail.
Ma was first arrested last week at Lincoln Acres Elementary School on felony charges of sexual misconduct with a child, and bailed out of Las Colinas women’s detention facility.
However, she was arrested again days later on additional charges, including possession of child pornography.
Deputy District Attorney Drew Hart described what allegedly happened in the classroom between Ma and the then 12-year-old child, calling it a “forcible sex act.” After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge ruled to uphold her no-bail status.
Ma is a teacher in a position of trust and authority, and the National School District has placed her on unpaid leave.
According to policies, she cannot be fired unless she’s convicted.
Her classroom is considered a crime scene and will remain locked until the end of the school year.
