Former 'Teacher of the Year' replaces attorney in sexual abuse case

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Jacqueline Ma, the former National City teacher who is accused of sexually abusing students, appeared in court Tuesday morning for a hearing to bring on a new attorney.

The 35-year-old departed with her previous counsel days before a jury trial was scheduled to begin. The judge presiding over Tuesday's hearing gave her new attorney, Patrick Griffin, the next month to review and prepare her case.

Another readiness hearing is scheduled for May 30, where her defense attorneys will decide on a new trial date with prosecutors.

Ma taught fifth and sixth grade at Lincoln Acres Elementary. She was named San Diego County "Teacher of the Year" in early 2023.

The educator has been in custody since she was arrested last March on suspicion of engaging in sexual relationships with two students, an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old. Prosecutors allege one of these relationships lasted months.

She has since pleaded not guilty to 21 felony counts, including lewd acts on a child and possession of child sexual abuse material. In January, several of these charges were amended by prosecutors to forcible sexual abuse — a change that could carry a longer sentence, if convicted.

The South Bay judge hearing the case ordered there was enough evidence to stand trial following a preliminary hearing in December. During this hearing, prosecutors showed detailed messages Ma allegedly sent to the victims, including several that talked about sexual relations.

Ma is one of several San Diego County educators facing accusations of some form of child sex abuse.

Last month, three employees at schools in the region's largest districts — an associate principal at Hoover High School, a teacher at Mt. Carmel High School and a campus supervisor at Diegueño Middle School — were arrested in the span of a week.