Accused rapist teacher Colleen Jo Matarico unrecognizable in court

A teacher facing charges of providing marijuana to a 13-year-old student and sexually assaulting him appeared dramatically different at her court hearing on Tuesday.

During her brief appearance at a Los Angeles courthouse, 44-year-old Colleen Jo Matarico wore a blue prison jumpsuit and was shackled, showing the toll of nearly 17 months of incarceration.

Matarico’s sole comment was “good morning,” after which her lawyer requested a postponement. Her appearance, with gray hair and a deeply lined face, was a stark contrast to her once lively demeanor as a teacher in the San Fernando Valley.

Prosecutors disclosed that Matarico, who taught at John Burroughs Middle School, began abusing the child she referred to as “crystal meth” when he turned 13, while still under her tutelage.

She had served as a teacher for 25 years.

Instagram messages reportedly revealed Matarico’s admission of leaving her husband due to her feelings for the teenager, whom she referred to as her “crystal meth,” according to prosecutors.

The majority of the alleged sexual abuse occurred between August and November 2025, according to the criminal complaint. Matarico is also accused of supplying marijuana to the boy.

A mother of two, Matarico had initially requested house arrest and electronic monitoring but was denied, as prosecutors argued she would continue attempting to contact the boy if released.

A protective order was issued prohibiting Matarico from contacting the child.

Matarico is scheduled to return to court on April 1st. If found guilty of all charges, she could face a sentence exceeding 20 years in prison.

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