A judge has sentenced a teacher from Ohio to prison time after stalking her ex-boyfriend. She and her attorney were surprised by the ruling.
According to a report by Fox 8 News, 27-year-old Hannah Freeman was shocked to learn she would face prison time after pleading guilty to several charges. The outlet explains that Freeman was charged with multiple felonies in 2024, including identity fraud and “menacing by stalking.” Last month, she reportedly pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of disorderly conduct, obstructing justice, and possessing criminal tools.
Fox 8 details that authorities accused the teacher of showing up at Lee Burneson Middle School, where a man she previously dated worked. She allegedly broke into his car on November 7. Prosecutors reportedly said that the couple broke up months earlier, but Freeman “didn’t realize the relationship was over.”
Per WKYC, the victim told authorities that Freeman stole two backpacks from his car. They had two computers and his wallet inside. He reportedly said she would “frequent his place of work as well as his residence, causing stress and mental anguish.”
Investigators Reveal They Spotted The Ohio Teacher At The Victim’s Workplace Multiple Times
WKYC notes that investigators used flock cameras to track Freeman’s car. Authorities reportedly spotted her by the Lee Burneson Middle School at least 33 times over 19 separate days of a 30-day period.
The outlet also shares video footage from the courtroom. Judge Matia calls the situation a “bizarro breakup between two professionals.” He then addresses Freeman, saying the investigation does not “paint a pretty picture” of her behavior.
Matia sentenced Freeman to seven days in the Cuyahoga County jail and 18 months’ probation, although the sentence appeared to come as a shock. Freeman’s attorney, Michael Kinlin, clashed with Judge Matia after sentencing. He told Matia, “We had an agreed sentence.” The Judge fired back, “You didn’t agree with me, Mr. Kinlin, and I am charged with sentencing.”
The pair had a heated exchange where Matia ultimately shut the attorney down. “Didn’t ask me. Sorry. Your bad practice is not my problem,” he said. Freeman burst into tears after learning she would spend a week behind bars. She continued to sob as she exited the courtroom.