Former teacher sentenced for aggravated sexual assault of child

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - A former Aldine Independent School District teacher who became pregnant by a 13-year-old student was sentenced on Friday.

As Alexandria Vera hugged her family goodbye, she was taken away by deputies.

Judge Michael McSpadden formally sentenced the former middle school teacher to ten years in prison.

The only witness to take the stand was a clinical psychologist. She said Vera witnessed domestic violence growing up and that she had previously been in destructive relationships. She also said Vera was a good candidate for therapy.

Judge McSpadden said that the volume of teacher-student relationships occurring is alarming and agreed with the psychologist to one day go into schools to be more proactive about this issue.

Judge McSpadden also made statements that both Vera, her family, the victim and his family wrote letters to the court in support of the relationship, claiming that is was culturally acceptable. He also said the mother was more worried about Vera losing her job.

Court documents show Vera carried on a continuous sexual relationship with the child from September 2015 until January 2016. Vera at one point got pregnant, but then got an abortion.

Before Alexandria Vera was sent to prison, the Judge said that he believed Vera truly felt sorry for what she did, but that he has to set an example for other teachers. If Vera exhibits good behavior, the judge says she may be eligible for parole in five years.