Illinois Teacher Gets Probation in Sex Case - Updated

(Skokie, Illinois) Former science and special education teacher at Maine East High School, Jennifer Espinosa, has been sentenced.

Espinosa, a married mother of two girls and former Maine East soccer coach, told police she loves the boy, a gang member who was expelled from the school in September 2008, investigators said.

Espinosa was initially charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, authorities said.

On Thursday, Judge Larry Axelrood sentenced Espinosa to 30 months probation after she pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery, Cook County State's Attorney's office spokesman Andy Conklin said.

Judge Axelrood also ordered Espinosa to surrender her teacher's license, Conklin said.

Some time in prison might have been warranted. Heh.

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Illinois Teacher Accused of Sex with Male Student
[Previous 5/25/09 post]
(Skokie, Illinois) A 38-year-old science and special education teacher at Maine East High School, Jennifer Espinosa, has been accused of engaging in sex with a 16-year-old male student.

Reportedly, Espinosa had an eight-month affair with the boy, her former student. A married mother-of-two, Espinosa faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Espinosa was taken in for questioning by Sheriff's police on Saturday night near the Golf Terrace Apartments, 9644 N. Golf Terrace, after police smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from behind Espinosa's 2009 Honda Pilot, the release said.

As police curbed the car and noticed the windows were rolled down, they noticed one person moving quickly to a back seat. All people in the car were ordered out and Espinosa immediately told police she was a Maine East teacher, the release said.

Officer recognized the 16-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man as known gang members.

Police searched the car and recovered a bag of suspected marijuana. Alejandro Landi, 22, of Niles, was charged with misdemeanor drug possession.

Upon questioning of the suspects in the vehicle, Espinosa told investigators she was a teacher and mentor to the boy until he was expelled. She said their relationship began after his expulsion, the release said.

Espinosa was booked into custody with bond set at $50,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 29.