Former Modesto Teacher Accused Of Oral Sex With Student Takes Plea Deal
MODESTO (CBS13) — A former teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a former student will avoid trial, because of a plea deal on Monday.
James Hooker had no comment on his way out of the courtroom after pleading no-contest to a misdemeanor charge he had oral sex with a 17-year-old student, 15 years ago.
The former Enochs High School teacher was originally charged with a felony and faced up to three years in prison. With the deal, he'll avoid jail time unless he violates his probation. In addition, he'll be forced to register as a sex offender and he's banned from seeking contact with girls aged 12 to 18 without supervision.
Hooker can't appeal the ruling.
Investigators uncovered the crime after he went public with his current relationship recently.
The former teacher left his wife and kids for Jordan Powers—his former 18-year-old student.
When the couple appeared in the national spotlight, a victim from the summer of 1998 came forward, telling detectives about her encounter with Hooker.
A sentencing hearing is set for Wednesday.
