Former ‘teacher of the year' gets 30 years to life for sexually abusing students
The sentencing occurred at Chula Vista Superior Court after Ma pleaded guilty in February 2025 to four felony counts: two counts of forcible lewd acts on a child under 14, one count of a lewd act on a child under 14, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Pattern of grooming, betrayal
Ma, 36, abused two sixth-grade boys, aged 11 and 12, at Lincoln Acres Elementary School in National City, California. The investigation began in March 2023 when a parent discovered inappropriate messages between Ma and their 12-year-old son.
A second victim, abused in 2020 at age 11, was later identified. Prosecutors stated Ma used gifts, food, special attention, hidden apps, and 'vanish mode' messages to groom and communicate with the victims. Evidence included love letters, a photo of one victim in Ma's wallet, jewelry with his initials, and child sexual abuse material.
The abuse of one victim spanned 10 months, with assaults occurring in Ma's classroom over three months.
Tearful apology in court
During the sentencing, Ma delivered a tearful apology, stating, 'I abused my authority, deceived these boys and their families, and ripped away their childhood.' She acknowledged disgracing the teaching profession.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Enrique Camarena described the crimes as a 'prolonged pattern of child sexual abuse.' Deputy District Attorney Drew Hart reported that one victim's mother was 'speechless' upon learning of the abuse.
District Attorney Summer Stephan called the 30-year sentence appropriate. The victims' families did not attend the hearing.
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Results of Annual General and Special Meeting The following matters put forward before shareholders for consideration and approval as set out in Rubicon Organics' management information circular dated June 27th, 2025 (the 'Circular') were approved by the shareholders: Setting the number of directors of the Company at eight; Electing Doris Bitz, Len Boggio, Margaret Brodie, Michael Detlefsen, Ian Gordon, Jesse McConnell, John Pigott, and Karen Proud as directors of the Company (together the 'Board') for the ensuing year until the next annual meeting of the Company; Appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year with the Company's directors authorized to fix their remuneration; and Approval of the amendment to the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan Question Yes No Abstain Number of Directors at Eight (8) 94.6% 5.4% – Elect as Director, Doris Bitz 95.8% – 4.2% Elect as Director, Margaret Brodie 95.8% – 4.2% Elect as Director, Len Boggio 94.8% – 5.2% Elect as Director, Michael Detlefsen 95.8% – 4.2% Elect as Director, Ian Gordon 95.8% – 4.2% Elect as Director, Jesse McConnell 93.0% – 7.0% Elect as Director, John Pigott 85.7% – 14.3% Elect as Director, Karen Proud 95.8% – 4.2% Appointment of Auditor 99.9% – 0.1% Approval of Incentive Plan 74.7% 25.3% – A corporate presentation presented at the Meeting is available for viewing on Rubicon Organics' website at Change to Board Chair The Company also today announced that Len Boggio will step down as Chair of the Board, effective immediately. He will transition to the role of Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee. The Board has unanimously appointed Doris Bitz, currently serving as independent director since 2023, as the incoming Chair. She brings over 30 years of experience successfully building, scaling and growing manufacturing and CPG businesses in North America. In 2022 she retired from her role as President, Retail of Dessert Holdings, a leading manufacturer of high-quality dessert products, and now serves on multiple boards. Doris has also held executive marketing positions at top-tier CPG companies including PepsiCo Canada and General Mills. Doris holds an HBA and an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University. 'On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Len Boggio for his leadership as Board Chair over the last 2 years in particular his exemplary leadership and commitment to strong corporate governance, and I'm pleased that he will continue to share his extensive governance experience in his role as Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee,' said Margaret Brodie, Chief Executive Officer. 'I want to welcome Doris Bitz as our new Board Chair. Doris has unique experience in building and scaling businesses and thus is very well-positioned to help elevate our team as we transform and scale in our next phase of growth.' 'I'm honored to step into the role of Chair,' said Doris Bitz. 'I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and Board to scale Rubicon Organics to achieve our vision to be the most trusted, premium global leader in cannabis, building long-term value for shareholders.' Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan The Board of Directors (the 'Board') approved the amendment to the Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan on June 27th, 2025, subject to receipt of shareholder approval at the Meeting. The amended Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan will be administered by the Company's Board, and will permit the grant or issue of Restricted Share Units ('RSU's'), Performance Share Units ('PSU's'), Deferred Share Units ('DSU's'), and options ('Options') to eligible participants. The amended Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan is a fixed plan which provides that the aggregate maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued upon the exercise or settlement of awards granted under the amended Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan is 8,960,180 Common Shares. As set out in the Circular, the Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan replaced the Company's legacy equity incentive plan and legacy DSU plan, and as such, no further grants of stock awards or DSUs will be made under the legacy equity incentive plan or legacy DSU plan. DSU Grant The Company has granted an aggregate of 1,024,576 DSUs pursuant to the Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan to certain independent directors of the Company as compensation for their services in advance for the following 12 months. The DSUs will vest twelve months from the date of grant, and may only be redeemed upon a holder ceasing to be a director of the Company, or as allowed for under the terms of the Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. ABOUT RUBICON ORGANICS INC. Rubicon Organics is the Canadian leader in certified organic and premium cannabis. With a vertically integrated model and strong national distribution, the company is scaling a house of trusted, high-performing brands including Simply Bare™ Organics, 1964 Supply Co.™, Wildflower™, and Homestead Cannabis Supply™. The Company's production base is anchored by its Delta, BC Facility, and is now complemented by the acquisition of our Hope, BC Facility, which will expand production capacity by over 40% and support future growth in both domestic and export markets. With proprietary genetics, award-winning products, and certifications enabling international distribution, Rubicon is positioned at the forefront of the premium cannabis segment. As the Canadian market continues to rationalize and global demand for high-quality cannabis increases, Rubicon's disciplined execution, brand equity, and consumer loyalty set it apart. The Company's focus on premium quality, innovation, and operational execution has driven consistent revenue growth and positive Adjusted EBITDA. Rubicon Organics represents a rare combination of category leadership, operational strength, and long-term growth potential. CONTACT INFORMATION Margaret BrodieChief Executive OfficerPhone: +1 (437) 929-1964Email: ir@ The TSX Venture Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, statements regarding Rubicon Organics' goal of achieving industry leading profitability are 'forward-looking statements'. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as 'will' or variations of such word or statements that certain actions, events or results 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The forward-looking information in this press release is based on certain assumptions that management considers reasonable under the circumstances, the Company's ability to execute its business strategy, demand for its products in international markets, and other factors beyond the Company's control. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the Company's business and the industry in which it operates. 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There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Rubicon Organics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although Rubicon Organics has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Rubicon Organics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
