Teacher jailed after stalking ex-boyfriend who she couldn't get over
Hannah Freeman, 27, was seen sobbing during an explosive courtroom exchange as she was sentenced for the bad break-up behavior.
Freeman was placed on administrative leave from North Ridgeville Schools district, located about 25 miles west of Cleveland, last year after being charged with several felony counts including menacing by stalking, trespass, theft, identity fraud, and theft of drugs.
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Westlake Police Department claimed Freeman broke into her ex-partner's car twice and followed him to work at least 33 times on 19 different days over the course of one month, according to WKYC.
Freeman took a plea deal on the lesser charges and told Cuyahoga County Judge David Matia she had learned her lesson.
She said: 'I regret the incident. I definitely acted out of emotion and I regret that decision that I made that night.
'I will take steps that are necessary to move on from this incident and you will not see me back here again.'
However, the judge was not convinced and sentenced Freeman to 18 months of probation, with the first seven days to be served at the county jail.
Matia said: 'This is frankly a bizarre breakup between two professionals. The presentencing investigation does not paint a pretty picture of your behavior Ms Freeman.
'You should have known that was over. It was my understanding that the victim had someone else in his life.'
Freeman's attorney and the judge then got into a spat over the sentencing, with her lawyer arguing his sentence was not in the agreed upon plea deal.
The judge said: 'You didn't agree with me.'
In June, Freeman pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, obstructing official business, and possessing criminal tools.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said they made the agreement because Freeman had no prior criminal history and they had consulted with her ex-boyfriend.
Matia argued that the attorney did not meet with him about the plea agreement before sentencing, which Freeman's lawyer claimed was because the judge was not available during that time.
The judge fired back: 'I'm offended that you would make the insinuation here that I don't work enough. Your bad practice is not my problem.'
Freeman sobbed in her lawyers arms before collecting her things to be hauled off to the county jail.
Police body camera footage showed Freeman being arrested after her ex reported that she stole two backpacks from his car.
Two computers and his wallet were in the bags, making the estimated value of the stolen items $1,100.
Freeman's ex told police that she would 'frequent his place of work as well as his residence, causing stress and mental anguish.'
After her arrest, Freeman was placed on administrative leave by the school districted, reported WOIO.
At the time North Ridgeville City Schools said: 'This matter does not pertain directly to school activities, and as such, the district will not be issuing additional statements at this time.
'However, North Ridgeville City Schools is committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement as needed to support a thorough and fair resolution.'
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