Jail is in session.
Ohio teacher Hannah Freeman cried hysterically as she was sentenced to a week in jail for heavily stalking her ex-boyfriend while the hearing took an explosive turn.
The 27-year-old was arrested in November 2024 and accused of following her ex-boyfriend to work at least 33 times over 19 separate days in one month, according to WKYC News.
During the stalking spree, Freeman was also accused of breaking into her ex-boyfriend’s car and stealing $1,100 worth of items, including his wallet, two backpacks and two computers.
The ex-fourth-grade teacher was placed on administrative leave from her job at Ranger High-Tech Academy – located in a suburb of Cleveland – after the arrest, even though the stalking was not related to her job, the news outlet reported.
“This matter does not pertain directly to school activities, and as such, the district will not be issuing additional statements at this time,” North Ridgeville City Schools wrote a statement on Nov. 12, according to WKYC News. “However, North Ridgeville City Schools is committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement as needed to support a thorough and fair resolution.”
Freeman’s lawyer Michael Kinlin interrupted Cuyahoga County Judge David Matia as he was giving the order and alleged that the sentencing was not what they had agreed on, the outlet reported.
“We had an agreed sentence,” Kinlin said.
“You didn’t agree with me, Mr. Kinlin, and I am charged with sentencing,” Judge Matia responded.
Kinlin attempted to withdraw Freeman’s plea, but Judge Matia claimed it was too late.
“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.
The order gave Freeman 18 months of probation, including seven days in the Cuyahoga County jail.
The judge insisted that he was available and told Kinlin, “Your bad practice is not my problem.”
She also must wear a GPS device for the first 90 days, be on house arrest with work release, get mental health counseling and she’s not allowed to contact her ex.
She was initially charged with stalking, trespass, theft, identity fraud and theft of drugs but her lawyer was able to get a plea deal that had three of the felony charges reduced and the others tossed out.
Freeman pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, obstructing official business and possessing criminal tools.
“I will take steps that are necessary to move on from this incident and you will not see me back here again,” Freeman assured the judge before her sentencing was announced on Thursday.
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