A striking reaction occurred in a Los Angeles courtroom when 44-year-old Colleen Jo Matarico smiled and shook her head after the court sentenced her to 10 years in prison for abusing a 13-year-old student.

According to court records, Matarico pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd acts with a child under 14, while other charges were dismissed during the proceedings. The incidents occurred between August and November 2015, while the victim was still her student at John Burroughs Middle School.

Prosecutors stated that the defendant called the victim by a shocking nickname and maintained an inappropriate relationship with the student during her teaching tenure. Records also noted that she provided a controlled substance to the victim.

At the hearing, the defendant appeared in prison attire and handcuffs. When the sentence was announced, she let out a soft laugh and shook her head. When the judge asked if she understood the sentence, she replied simply, "yes."

The court ordered the defendant to have no contact with the victim in any form, following strict regulations like those in California school districts currently under close scrutiny.

Matarico had taught for 25 years before her crimes were uncovered and had served 616 days in jail prior to her sentencing in Los Angeles.

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