A former Los Angeles middle school teacher has been sentenced to prison after a case that prosecutors said represented a serious breach of trust involving a young student.
According to the New York Post, Colleen Jo Matarico, 44, appeared in court Monday in a blue jail-issued uniform and handcuffs as a judge handed down a 10-year sentence.
Once a longtime educator, she appeared in court, underscoring a dramatic fall from a 25-year career in teaching.
Matarico had previously entered a no-contest plea to two felony counts involving a minor under the age of 14. In exchange for the plea, six additional charges were dismissed.
The case focused on conduct that prosecutors said began when the student was 13 years old, while Matarico was still working at John Burroughs Middle School.
During the investigation, authorities revealed that Matarico had used an unusual nickname for the student — referring to him as her “crystal meth,” a detail that became a focal point in the case.
When the sentence was announced in court, Matarico reacted in a way that stood out to those present. She smiled, laughed, and shook her head.
Her verbal responses during the hearing were limited.
“Good morning,” she said at the start of proceedings.
“Yes,” she replied when asked if she understood the sentence.
The judge also imposed a strict no-contact order, prohibiting Matarico from reaching out to the victim — identified in court documents as “Jeremiah” — in any way, including through third parties or electronic communication.
Prosecutors said the incidents occurred between August and November 2025. Additional details presented in court described actions and statements that raised concerns about professional boundaries and judgment.
Matarico’s attorney, Leonard Levine, described the case as “Very unfortunate” and said his client is “doing as well as she can.” He added that she is remorseful and understands the seriousness of the situation.
After the hearing concluded, a bailiff escorted Matarico out of the courtroom to begin serving her sentence.
Officials noted she has already spent 616 days in Los Angeles County jail, which will count toward her total time behind bars.
The sentencing brings the case to a close, ending a legal process that highlighted the consequences of misconduct involving a position of trust.
