US: Teacher jailed 15 years for sexual abuse of student she tutored, recording encounters

Jocelyn Sanroman, 27, of Pontiac, was sentenced on Tuesday after earlier pleading guilty to third-degree sexual conduct, local media reported.

According to prosecutors and court proceedings cited by Fox 2 Detroit, Sanroman recorded sexual encounters with the 16-year-old student at her home.

The case came to light after a colleague reported that Sanroman had confessed to the misconduct. The matter was then brought to the attention of charter school officials, prompting a police investigation.

Presiding over the case, Judge Cheryl Matthews expressed strong disapproval of the conduct.

“This is serious risk-taking behavior, taking advantage of a minor and videotaping… it’s just disgusting,” she was quoted as saying by New York Post.

When asked by the court to explain her actions, Sanroman reportedly responded, “Not my best thinking.”

Her attorney told the court that she had unaddressed mental health issues, describing her actions as a “tremendous error of judgment” and stating that she would need to address those issues moving forward.

In a 2025 statement, Karen D. McDonald said the accused had used her position of authority to exploit a minor.

“These allegations represent the ultimate breach of trust placed in educators by parents and the community,” McDonald said, adding that she commended the individual who reported the case, helping prevent further harm.