Teacher-Student Love Gets Woman Arrested
Maine East teacher had 8-month relationship with known gang member
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 | Updated 6:00 PM CDT
Jennifer Espinosa admits to having a relationship with an expelled student, police say.
A Maine East High School teacher who told police she "loves" a former student has been charged with having sex with the 16-year-old boy.
Jennifer Espinosa, 38, of Park Ridge, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse after a 8-month relationship with a former student, a known Surenos 13 gang member who was expelled last September.
Espinosa was suspended from her teaching duties, and a social worker was at the school Tuesday for students who wanted to talk about what happened. In a letter sent to parents, Maine East said it will investigate the relationship between Espinosa and the former student, and cooperate with the police investigation as well.
Sheriff's police arrested Espinosa Saturday night after officers smelled marijuana coming from her 2009 Honda Pilot. Inside were Espinosa, the 16-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man.
When police searched the car, they found what they believed to be a bag of marijuana. Alejandro Landi, 22, of Niles, was charged with misdemeanor drug possession.
During questioning, Espinosa told investigators she was a teacher and mentor to the boy until he was expelled. She said their relationship began after his expulsion, according to a release from the Sheriff's office.
Espinosa, who is married with two children, was a former soccer coach at Maine East and teaches science and special education at the school, the release said.
She was released on $50,000 bond and has preliminary hearing scheduled for Friday, May 29.
Read also: Streamwood Teacher Accused of Having Sex With Ex-Pupil, 15 from the Daily Herald.
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