Former Teacher's Aid Accused of Sex With Teen Student

A former teacher's aide arrested last year in connection with allegations that she had a sexual relationship with a teenage student and gave birth to his child pleaded guilty today to a sex-related count.

Mandy Morales, 31, pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse, according to Sarah Ardalani of the District Attorney's Office.

Morales is facing one year in jail and three years probation, with sentencing set Jan. 27 in Pomona Superior Court, according to Ardalani.

The boy was 16 when the relationship began in 2011, and was 17 when the child was born, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Peter Hahn said shortly after Morales' arrest in July.

Morales was an aide at the Canyon View School at the McKinley Children's Center in San Dimas, Hahn said.

"The case originated at the school after a journal belonging to Ms. Morales was found," Hahn said. "(It) detailed an ongoing sexual relationship with a student, (the) victim. This relationship resulted in Ms. Morales having a child who was fathered by the victim."

In a statement released by the McKinley Children's Center, Chief Executive Officer Al Mason said school officials were being fully cooperative with law enforcement but were unable to comment much due to the active investigation.

"Ms. Morales is no longer an employee of Canyon View School," Mason said. "The protection, privacy care, and safety of the children we serve is our highest priority, and we shall continue our cooperation with law enforcement authorities."

According to the school's website, "programs are designed to address the disability needs of the students and to challenge them at the same time."

Morales was released on bail shortly after her July 10 arrest.

-- City News Service