A teacher has been accused of drugging a 13-year-old student, assaulting her, and leaving her husband to pursue a relationship with the boy. At a court hearing on Tuesday, Colleen Jo Matarico, 44, appeared quite different from her previous self, looking worn after nearly 17 months in prison.
Dressed in a blue jumpsuit and shackles, Matarico greeted the courtroom with a simple “Good morning” before her lawyer urged her to remain silent. Her gray hair and deeply lined face reflected a significant change from the once lively teacher from the San Fernando Valley.
According to prosecutors, Matarico, who taught at John Burroughs Middle School for 25 years, began her inappropriate behavior with the boy when he was just 13. She even referred to him as her “meth,” indicating a troubling infatuation.
In an Instagram message, Matarico allegedly confessed to having left her husband because of her feelings for the teenager, describing him as her “stimulant.” Most of the abusive incidents reportedly took place between August and November 2025, and she is also suspected of supplying the boy with marijuana.
A court appearance is set for April 1, where, if found guilty on all counts, she could face over 20 years behind bars.
Matarico, a mother of two, had sought to be released into house arrest with electronic monitoring. However, her request was denied after prosecutors expressed concern that she’d continue to contact the boy. An order of protection was subsequently placed against her, prohibiting any contact with him.
She is due back in court on April 1, with the possibility of facing serious prison time if convicted.
