School Secretary Pleads Guilty to Rape of Student

(San Bernardino, California) Last June, San Bernardino High School secretary, Christel Puentes Ochoa, 23, was arrested and charged with four counts of statutory rape of one boy, a misdemeanor charge of annoying or molesting a second boy, and influencing a witness by force or threat. At the time, Ochoa pleaded not guilty to the charges which resulted from alleged illicit relationships with two 17-year-old boys. If convicted of the charges against her, Ochoa faced six years in prison.

Yesterday, Ochoa agreed to a plea bargain which guarantees that she will serve no more than 60 days in jail. She pleaded guilty to one count of statutory rape and prosecutors dropped the other charges.

Ochoa's sentencing is scheduled for February 1 in San Bernardino Superior Court.


[Update 02/23/06]

Ochoa sentenced to 60 days in jail on weekends.