41-Year-Old Teacher Sent To Prison For 10 Years After Having Sex With 12-Year-Old Student

A fifth grade teacher who was caught having sex with a 12-year-old boy has been sentenced to a lengthy ten years in prison.

Lucinda Rodriguez Caldwell, 41, a married mother of two,was jailed for 10 years.

Caldwell, a married mother of two and veteran fifth grade teacher at Cable Elementary School in the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, was arrested in July 2010 after the boy's father took him to police to report the sexual assaults.

The man caught Caldwell when he recognized her Ford Explorer outside his home at 3 AM, after realizing that his son was not home.

After the SUV sped off, the father pursued in his own vehicle for about 30 miles.

Both vehicles were pulled over in Hondo, Texas, when it was discovered that the young boy was driving the SUV.

Caldwell pleaded no contest to felony indecency with child by exposure, and the judge sentenced her to ten years in prison on Tuesday as part of a plea agreement.

She originally was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child and could have received life in prison if convicted.

In addition to the prison sentence, Caldwell must give up her teaching license.

"I just want to say that I'm sorry for what I did and I apologize to the court, to (the child) and his family, and to my family," Caldwell said through tears during the brief sentencing hearing. "I have lost so much because of what I did, and I ask the court to let me stay with my family and take care of my children," she said.

After the assaults, the victim appeared to be withdrawn from friends and family.

Caldwell's husband testified on her behalf Tuesday, saying prior to the incident she had an "exemplary record" as a teacher.

I'm no legal expert, but if somebody sexually assaults her child, I believe her previous record becomes null and void.

Jordan Shepherd | Elite.