Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Student
A former high school teacher in Ohio has entered a guilty plea regarding sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old student. This decision was made in exchange for a plea deal that allowed her to avoid a more severe punishment.
Jamela Daboubi, who taught English at Horizon Science Academy in Columbus, admitted her guilt in February at a hearing in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. She faced charges of gross sexual imposition and unlawful modification of a sexual act involving a minor.
It’s reported that the charges emerged after a woman, who is the victim’s aunt, witnessed the inappropriate encounter between her nephew and Daboubi in the teacher’s vehicle. An affidavit noted that the boy was indeed a student in her class at the academy.
On April 2, 2025, officers from the Columbus Police Department were called after the aunt saw Daboubi and her nephew in what could only be described as a compromising situation. The aunt reported that when she approached the car, Daboubi was caught on the lap of the boy.
According to court documents, the teen alleged that Daboubi had kissed him and touched him inappropriately during their time together in the car. He later disclosed that he had been in contact with Daboubi via text messages for several months, and their relationship escalated to physical encounters.
Authorities noted that a significant number of calls and text messages were found between the two, revealing declarations of love and other intimate exchanges.
In May 2025, following the teacher’s arrest, Horizon Science Academy informed parents about the situation, confirming that Daboubi was no longer working there. They assured parents that there were no additional concerns regarding her or any other students.
Ultimately, Daboubi managed to evade a lengthy prison term due to the plea deal. Initially, she faced two counts of sexual assault, but those were changed. The new charges carry a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison.
As part of her plea agreement, Daboubi is also required to register as a second-degree sex offender and is awaiting her sentencing hearing. The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office did not respond immediately to inquiries about the case.
