Teacher Pleads Guilty to Student Sexual Assault

0:00A 28-year-old former English teacher from Ohio has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting her 15-year-old student. To Mela de Booby worked at Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School, and now faces up to a year and a half in prison. The incident came to light back on April 2, 2025, when the boys and in legal guardian found them together in de Booby's car, outside school grounds. The teen later told police about their ongoing contact, and his phone revealed hundreds of calls and thousands of texts confirming the inappropriate. Relating Shim, De Booby lost her teaching job right after her arrest, and the case drew quick attention from the community over the betrayal of trust by an educator. She was first indicted on two counts of sexual battery back in June, 2025. As part of her plea deal in February, prosecutors amended the charges to grow sexual imposition and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. She could still get prison time, or the judge might opt for five years of community control, counseling, and community service instead.

1:01Her sentencing, originally set for March 20, got postponed for reasons not shared publicly, with no new date announced yet. Under the deal, she'll have to register as a Tier 2 sex offender no matter the outcome. From your city, powered by AI, this is Durham News Today. I'm Corey with the story.