SAN DIEGO — A court hearing for a National City elementary school teacher accused of having inappropriate relationships with two young boys was re-scheduled for the end of the month as plea deal negotiations in this case continue.
34-year-old Jaqueline Ma did not appear in court Thursday. However, her defense attorney, Mario Vela, appeared on her behalf.
"Yesterday, we met with the [San Diego County] district attorney's office and we began negotiations in this case," he told CBS 8 outside the courthouse. "We submitted a very thorough and extensive mitigation packet for their consideration."
He said that mitigation packet included a psychiatric evaluation of Ma. Vela said she has had a series of visits with a mental health professional.
Ma faces numerous sexual misconduct charges. She is accused of lewd behavior with one student and having sex with another.
If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Vela said both sides want to reach a plea deal to prevent the two young victims from having to testify in court. He said its unlikely a preliminary hearing will go forward as scheduled at the end of the month.
Vela said there is more to this case than the headlines. He believes mental health played a big role in what happened.
"Mental health is a very important issue right now," he said. "This needs to be looked at as a mental health perspective, from a mental health lens perspective, if you will."
Vela said Ma's husband continues to stand by her side, supporting her and attending her court appearances. He said the couple does not have any children.
He said Ma is tutoring other inmates at the Las Colinas jail where she's being held, and that she also started a book club.
She is due back in court November 27.
CBS 8 reached out to the San Diego County District's Attorney's Office for comment. A spokesperson sent the following response:
"A readiness was held today but the court did not go on the record. They set another readiness for November 27. The prelim remains on calendar for November 29."