N.J. High School Teacher Accused Of Having Sex With Student In Classroom
PLAINFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A New Jersey teacher was behind bars Friday, arrested for allegedly having sex with her student.
Federal authorities tracked the teacher down in Florida, CBS 2's Christine Sloan reported. Jennalin Garcia-Calle, 28, had little to say as a judge read her the charges lodged against her in a Florida courtroom.
Investigators said U.S. Marshals arrested Garcia-Calle after she checked herself into a rehab facility.
Prosecutors said Garcia-Calle was not only teaching algebra at Plainfield High School but also having sexual relations with a 16-year-old male student in a classroom.
"It was after school, the door was locked, the window was blocked," Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said. "The fact that someone would be that brazen to do this is very troubling."
Investigators said Garcia-Calle became a fugitive from the law after fleeing New Jersey several days ago, when she was charged with sexual assault. However, detectives were able to track her down through her cell phone and text messages. Prosecutors also said Garcia-Calle reached out to the student before fleeing, asking him to get rid of evidence. They would not say what kind of evidence.
Romankow told Sloan his office found out about the inappropriate, year-long relationship after the boy told a family member. Now, investigators want to know if there are other victims.
"If there is anyone else who knows of any other incidents with this woman that they come forward and talk to our office," Romankow said.
At Plainfield High School, some students said they are having a hard time getting over the news, adding that they're truly shocked.
"She was really nice. She really cared for the students," senior Jadanny Harris said.
The Plainfield School District immediately put Garcia-Calle on administrative leave, pending the criminal investigation. She was being held on $200,000 bail and was expected to be extradited to New Jersey next week.
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