Ohio, USA teacher Hannah Freeman broke down in tears as she was sentenced to jail for stalking her ex-boyfriend, in a courtroom scene that quickly turned contentious.
The 27-year-old former fourth-grade teacher was sentenced to seven days in Cuyahoga County Jail and 18 months of probation after being found guilty of stalking her ex over a month in 2024.
According to WKYC News, Freeman followed the man to work at least 33 times across 19 separate days. She was also accused of breaking into his car and stealing $1,100 worth of personal items, including his wallet, two backpacks, and two computers.
Following her arrest in November 2024, Freeman was placed on administrative leave from her position at Ranger High-Tech Academy in the Cleveland suburb of North Ridgeville. The school district emphasized that the incident was unrelated to her role and stated it would fully cooperate with law enforcement.
“This matter does not pertain directly to school activities,” the district said in a statement. “However, North Ridgeville City Schools is committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement as needed to support a thorough and fair resolution.”
The sentencing hearing took an unexpected turn when Freeman’s attorney, Michael Kinlin, interrupted Judge David Matia, claiming the sentence imposed was not what had been agreed upon in pre-hearing discussions.
“We had an agreed sentence,” Kinlin insisted.
Judge Matia disagreed. “You didn’t agree with me, Mr. Kinlin, and I am charged with sentencing,” the judge responded sternly. When Kinlin attempted to withdraw Freeman’s plea, the judge pushed back, stating it was too late to do so.
“Did you make any effort to talk to me in the last six months about how I would sentence your client? No,” Judge Matia said. “Your bad practice is not my problem.”
In addition to the jail time and probation, Freeman must wear a GPS tracking device for the first 90 days, remain under house arrest with work-release privileges, undergo mental health counseling, and be barred from contacting her ex-boyfriend.
Freeman was initially facing serious felony charges, including stalking, trespassing, theft, identity fraud, and theft of drugs. However, as part of a plea deal, her legal team succeeded in getting three felony charges reduced and the rest dismissed.
She ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges: disorderly conduct, obstructing official business, and possession of criminal tools.
Before sentencing, Freeman addressed the court directly.
“I will take the necessary steps to move on from this incident, and you will not see me back here again,” she said through tears.