SAN DIEGO — A National City elementary school teacher accused of having inappropriate relationships with two young boys appeared in court Monday as a judge agreed to postpone her preliminary hearing until December 12.
Ma faces numerous counts of sexual misconduct. Prosecutors accuse her of lewd behavior with one student and engaging in sex acts with another. Both students were at Lincoln Acres Elementary at the time.
"This will be the definite prelim date, the court is not going to continue this for prelim again," said Judge Michael J. Popkins during Monday's hearing.
Ma's preliminary hearing was supposed to begin Wednesday. Her defense attorney, Mario Vela, confirmed to CBS 8 plea negotiations are still ongoing.
"We're still negotiating a favorable and just disposition for both parties involved," said Vela.
"We're not expecting to have a deal before the preliminary hearing, we're hoping to, but if that doesn't happen, we will continue to negotiate until this case is set for trial, if it ever comes to that," he added.
Ma faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
The “Teacher of the Year” underwent a psychiatric evaluation in early November, according to her defense attorney. The results were included in a series of documents given to the prosecution. Vela said plea negotiations began in early November.