Former Annapolis Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Abuse Of A Minor

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A former Annapolis High School teacher was sentenced to prison for sexually abusing an underage student for whom she was a guardian, prosecutors said Thursday.

Jennifer Diane Arnold, 43, pleaded guilty to a felony sexual abuse charge in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court on Sept. 2, 2022. She was sentenced to six years in prison, Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess said Thursday in a news release.

“Instead of looking out for the best interest of a child under her care, Ms. Arnold sexually exploited the victim, even blaming the minor in her defense,” Leitess said in a statement. “This sentence shows the seriousness of this disturbing crime.

“I commend the victim for coming forward in what must have been a frightening time, so that the abuser is held accountable for her actions,” Leitess added.

In July 2021, Anne Arundel County Police and the Department of Social Services were notified of a teenager who told his mother that Arnold, his former teacher, had sexually abused him multiple times while under her care.

The teen told investigators the sexual contact with Arnold happened when he attended Annapolis High School and she acted as his temporary guardian.

Police found evidence that confirmed there had been sexual contact between the victim and the defendant After the victim reported the abuse to the authorities, Arnold claimed the victim had raped her, authorities said. The police found multiple inconsistencies when they interviewed Arnold and she was charged with the offenses.

If you or someone you know may be the victim of abuse, reach out to a trusted adult or contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Center and Hotline at 410-222-6800.