LA Teacher Charged with Felony Sexual Abuse

Colleen Jo Matarico, a 43-year-old middle school teacher in Los Angeles, has been charged with multiple felonies, including lewd acts on a minor and furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. Matarico, who pleaded not guilty, allegedly groomed and sexually abused a student she met when he was 12, and the abuse intensified when he turned 13 and continued for over a year. The relationship reportedly continued even after an investigation was launched, with Matarico expressing her 'love' for the student, referring to him as her 'crystal meth,' and leaving her husband for him. Prosecutors presented evidence of text messages and social media interactions to support the charges, and Matarico's family had unsuccessfully urged her to end the relationship. She is also accused of providing marijuana to the student, and the abuse reportedly continued even after she was aware of the investigation. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has emphasized the breach of trust and the courage of the victim in coming forward.