I think I might have said something that wasn't appropriate, but it wasn't meant for him. I did delete it afterwards. Okay, I know you guys have It's very clear. Why are you guys calling each other husband and wife? But again, I did wasn't meant for for that. My phone automatically does certain auto messages. Teachers are meant to be trustworthy, protective guardians for our children. But what happens when they become the monsters? Caught red-handed in the very classrooms they were hired to safeguard. We do have an investigation going on. Um we have to talk to you about it at the police department. >> [laughter] >> You know, you are going to be placed under arrest. >> Me? Mhm. And it's going to be for um for predatory criminal >> [music] >> assault. These were the moments when perverted female teachers got caught red-handed. We begin with the case of a teacher who believed marrying her boyfriend would erase the evidence of her inappropriate relationship she had with a student. Can you do me a favor? Can you step out of the car for me? >> [music] >> So right now you're just being detained. >> [laughter] >> On March 16th, 2025, the routine of a 30-year-old special education teacher was violently interrupted. The officer walked up to the car. Inside, Christina Formella was polite, but seemed confused when he asked for her name. This calm start was the first step in uncovering a crime that had gone on for 2 years. Hey, how you doing? Hi. Officer Garza with Downers Grove. Do you have your license on you? Yeah. Can I Yeah, I'm going to explain. I'm sure you're confused. I'll explain everything to you. You're Christina? Yes. Okay, Christina, do me a favor. Can you step out of the car for me? I know you're confused. I'll explain everything to you. You don't have anything on you. Just You can just grab whatever you need. Whatever I need? >> Yeah, whatever you need. You can get your phone, your your purse, you can go and grab it. Is she going somewhere or Yeah, we're going to explain everything to you guys. Go ahead and grab it. We're not going anywhere right now. I'll Of course. Of course. Yeah. I don't understand what's going on here. I get it. Yeah. You can go and grab your things. Can he come with me? >> Yes. Yes. You stay there right for right now. Just stay there. But yes, you can. But come on back here. Should I shut the car off? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Go ahead. Was off. Okay. The officer explained she must come to the station. She claimed she was willing to comply, but the rules were clear. He stated that he had to place her in handcuffs. She kept asking for her husband, wanting [music] him there with her. But the officer said he would meet them there later. It was just her and the cops now. So we do have an investigation going on. Um we have to talk to you about it at the police department. Okay? All right. So we're going to explain everything to you there. Um it's not my investigation. I don't know the full details. We do have to bring you there though. Okay? So I have to put you in handcuffs and bring you to the police department. Just to Downers Grove. >> Handcuffs? Yes, unfortunately. Yes. >> I'm like willing to go with you. >> I I get it. Yeah, unfortunately we have to do it that way. So do me a favor. We're just going to take this off. Can I ask you what Of course. Yeah, it's not my Like I said, it's not my investigation. Obviously we are here for a reason. So go ahead and turn around for me. So right now you're just being detained, and there is a detective that needs to talk to you at the police department. So we'll let your husband No, he can just come to the police department as well if he wants to wait for you there. I'm like I get it. You have a lot of questions. >> scared. Yeah, everything's okay. We just need to talk to you at the police department. That's all. Um nothing else on your pocket right now? Anything else? >> phone. Just your phone. Okay. Okay. All right, I'm going to have you sit in the back of this car on the other side. Once you get to the police department, um you'll talk to the detective and he'll explain everything to you. But you can't even give me like an idea >> At the moment? >> is about? Other than that, it's an investigation. That's all I can really tell you right now. I'm sorry. In the back of the police car, she was really worried. She asked what was going on, saying she was completely lost. The officer driving told her he could not say that the detectives at the station would explain everything. It was a quiet ride, but you could feel her panic growing with every mile. Excuse me, is my husband coming with? Yes. Yeah, he's taking his phone number down. We're saying to talk to him. We're just going to Downers Grove. The It's a 10 minutes away. No, I know, but I really would prefer that my husband's with me. Of course. Am I in trouble? Like I'm so I'm so lost right now. I'm I'm just here. Like I said, I can't give you any more information. I just got to tell you that right now you're being detained for investigation and we're bringing you to the police department. And once you get there, they're going to fill you in on everything. At the station, detectives told her the charge having with a student. She broke down crying so hard she got sick. Her story about being framed was already falling apart, but that was just the beginning. Prosecutors said they had the messages and notes that proved it was not just one time. It was more than 45 times at school and even at her home. They said it started when the boy was 14 and continued for 2 years right [music] through her wedding. In total, Christina Formella was now facing 52 charges. 20 counts of aggravated criminal assault, 20 counts of aggravated criminal six counts of indecent solicitation of a and six counts of The teacher who said she was set up was now facing the possibility of spending the [music] rest of her life in prison. If you thought a teacher having illegal relations with a boy getting ready for his freshman year was shocking, [music] wait till you hear about the 11-year-old boy whose teacher gave him $700 and illicit [music] photos before the police showed up at her door. We have a search warrant for the house, okay? Um you know, you are going to be placed under arrest. >> Me? Mhm. On April 3rd, 2024, detectives in Macon County, Illinois knocked on a door with a search warrant. They were there for 30-year-old Alli Bardfield, a sixth-grade substitute teacher. The day before, an 11-year-old student had walked into the police station with his parents after receiving a string of disturbing [music] and highly inappropriate images from his teacher. His mother's suspicion started after a playdate at Bardfield's house, leading her to check her son's phone. What she found was a digital nightmare. Explicit Snapchat photos from his teacher, talk of pregnancy, [music] and $700 sent through Cash App. Okay. 6:38. We can't answer the door right now, but if you'd like to leave a message Hi. Hey, how are you? Hey, is Alli home? Yeah. Okay. Um Sure if I'm an assisting the Downers Grove police department. Um how many kids are home? Three. Three kids. Okay, just you guys and the kids. Okay. And someone else. Yeah, it's my brother. Our brother. Okay. So here's the thing. We have a search warrant for the house, okay? Um you are going to be placed under arrest. >> Me? Mhm. You're Alli, right? >> Yeah. Okay. Um and it's going to be for um predatory criminal sexual assault two. Grooming. Okay, so that's why we're here to take a look to make sure we gather what we need out of the house, okay? For what? Yeah, so I'll talk to you more about it in a second. Okay? Um as a matter of fact, if you guys want to go in and start doing that >> up the dogs up. Yeah, just please. We're going to have to follow you in though. Just make sure. Okay. And you want to stay here with me. Officers told Bardfield she was under arrest for an extremely disturbing crime. Standing in her doorway, she acted confused, as if the accusation was impossible to believe. But the police had been listening. Just hours before her arrest, they monitored a call where Bardfield told the young boy to delete their [music] messages and assured him she couldn't get pregnant. The evidence wasn't just a story. It was recorded. I'm going to explain some things. Okay. First off, I have to read you your rights, okay? So that I can talk to you, okay? You do have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do will be used against you in court. You have the right to an attorney, and if you can't afford one, one will be appointed to represent you free of any cost to you. Do you understand that? >> Yeah. Okay. Have you ever been in trouble before? Okay. I'm going to give you an opportunity to explain, but long story short is, okay, we've got a significant amount of evidence to include the conversation that you had with the After being read her rights, Bardfield was told they had proof of her conversations. According to court documents, she denied everything, claiming she never touched the boy. He'll be able to talk to you. No, I'll talk to you here about that. Um so that lady in there Oh my god. No, but listen. Make a nice five for us. Secure out here. You know, how you raise your kids and what goes on They're my They're my life. All right, sit in the back cuz I want to be out of the wind and air. And I'm going to have you have a seat in this second vehicle here. Downers Grove 56 and a half 10-300. OP revoked. Which seat? This right here. Right up here. You good, buddy? >> Yep. Arrested and in shock, Alli Bardfield's journey as a teacher was over. Her new path led straight to a courtroom where the evidence awaited and where her future would be sentenced in decades. In the patrol car, confronted with the Snapchat photos she'd sent, she finally broke. But instead of taking responsibility, she blamed the sixth-grader, saying he was the one who wouldn't leave her alone. It's a class X felony punishable by 6 to 60 years in the Department of Corrections. That will be served at 85% followed by a mandatory supervised release of 3 years up to natural life and up to a $25,000 fine. It is not a probation-eligible offense. And if convicted, you would have to register as a offender for the rest of your natural life. >> In court, a judge laid out her fate. Bartfield pleaded guilty to a class X felony carrying 6 to 60 years. She would serve at least 85% of her sentence, be under supervision for life, and register as a offender forever. Allie Bartfield was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The teacher who thought she could hide behind texts [music] and snaps learned the hard way. Some digital trails lead straight to a cell. Next up, we have the case of the special education teacher who destroyed her own phone to try and hide the evidence of her crime. [music] I'm not comfortable talking about my attorney present. Okay. I don't have a phone it got destroyed. Actually, I lost it today and got run over. [music] I need the red paper that's taped to the cabinet that has my attorney's name and pastor's name. On June 26th, 2024, police arrived at a home in Ocean County, New Jersey. They were there for 43-year-old special education teacher Allison Haveman Niedrach. She was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. When officers asked if she knew why they were there, she immediately said she would not talk without a lawyer. Good evening. Yes. Uh Detective Hernandez, Freehold Police Department. Uh is Allison home? Yes. May I speak with her, please? No, we'll we'll talk to her out here. Thank you. Okay. Hey Michelle, how you doing? Hi. Detective Hernandez, Freehold Police Department. Detective Correa, Detective Hobbs. Um you know why we're here? No? Any idea? You want to move away from the house to speak to her? >> talking without my attorney present. Okay, no problem. Thank you. Uh we have a warrant for your arrest, so we're going to take you in. Um is there anything on you that you want to leave with your family? No, my glasses just come with me. Do I have medication that I need to bring with me? Uh if you take medication, I will highly suggest for you to have someone get it for you. Okay, just give me a second. Before they took her away, an officer asked Allison about her phone. She didn't hesitate. She already had a story prepared, one she clearly thought was clever enough to get her out of the mess she'd created. >> have a phone it got destroyed. Actually, I lost it today and got run over. Okay. Um just have them bring the the medicine. Okay. Here, I got to put you under cuffs, so. >> Okay. All right? Yeah. I joints are very fragile. I'm not going to hurt you in any shape or form. This is going to go on gently. All right? Still good? Mhm. Thank you. Okay? Okay. Give me a second. My husband's here with my kids. Okay. Thank you, and I'll see your parents in a bit. Yeah, my parents are here. They're fine. My kids are safe. >> Do me a favor, go like this. I do have a lot of medical issues. I'm sorry. Okay, no problem. Medication? All right, let's uh We'll have We'll have them get it. Yeah. My husband can get it. Yeah. Can you let her know? Can you get my antibiotics? As the officers handcuffed her, Allison began giving excuses. She talked about her medical problems and said she had to take care of her sick parents. Instead of facing what was happening, she brought up her kids inside the house. Another attempt to shift the moment in her favor, but things were about to get much more chaotic. Sorry, my mom has strokes recently. Okay, no problem. >> I'm my parents' caretaker. Okay. Where is she going now? She's going to go back to Freehold Police. She's going to our police station in Freehold. Freehold? Yes. Do you Do you know their numbers? My parents? >> Yeah. Okay. And they have my attorney's number. Okay. Should I keep that with me as well or If you don't If you don't know by heart >> I don't know my attorney's number. Yeah, I would highly recommend for you to get it cuz that way you have that piece of paper. >> We'll get it. Yeah. >> Where is it at? Where is the paper? It's If you want my husband to get it, he knows where it is. >> Yeah. Just tell him what to get. Go ahead, sir. No, no, you you can go out. Standing in her driveway under arrest, Allison started to panic. She gave her husband a series of pointed directions, small, exact, and intentional, as if the arrest had been expected all along. It was a desperate attempt to manage a situation that was already over. You can't combine those. Okay. Sorry. And then I'll ask this now. Okay. Um I need the red paper that's taped to the cabinet that has my attorney's name and pastor's name, please. Do you have I take every day for my heart. We can throw that in one of them, right? >> No, no, I don't I don't want to combine meds. So So separate container. Can you get the baby aspirin as well? Well She just wants to know. Going to Freehold, do you know what? Um we're going to talk to the attorneys and stuff like that and and the Monmouth County prosecutors and see what happens. We don't make the decision. Yeah. >> They're talking like I can't hear yet. Okay. I'm sorry. So about how long like would you stay in Freehold? Excuse me, ma'am? She's going to be out how long? Um we don't know. It's because of bail reform, we don't make that decision anymore. >> Excuse me. Definitely overnight. Yeah. Yeah. Allison, where is the red paper? Look at the cabinet right by where you just got the meds. There's two white pieces of paper with red crayon writing. Look straight ahead. Taped. Nope. >> Get me oxygen, please. Not that, I know. You okay? No. Are you okay? She's on full-time oxygen. Well, I was in bed. I'm on oxygen all night long. Okay. Okay. Are you little Do you need medical attention? No. You sure? Okay. Is this it? Yes, that's right. That's my pastor and my Okay. Is there anything else that you want to take? Okay. And you know their numbers if you need to call them? >> husband, yes. Okay, excellent. All right, so we're going to get going, okay? Like I said, we're going to process her. We don't make the decision because of bail reform. You want to You want to call her or Detective Hernandez, badge 101, and you guys can, you know, uh Yeah, we'll give the information. She's going to Freehold, do you know what? >> I didn't need to write down his number. I know his number, but Thank you. So she's She'll She'll call you later, okay? >> Even while being arrested, Allison kept talking about her own children. She thanked the officer again for not frightening them, saying they had just gone to bed. For a woman accused of hurting a child, her main concern at that moment was protecting her own family. >> Come this way, ma'am. Okay. Oh, you know we don't have baby aspirin. Oh, we need Oh, I'm sorry. I got Yeah, I'll stay with her here. Yeah. Yep. Thank you for not scaring my children. They home? They're They're in the basement. They're trying to go to sleep. Okay. I just put them to bed. They were We just got back from dinner. Glad you weren't in bed sleeping. Yeah. >> Yeah. How many children do you have? Just two. Two? officers. After a final check, she was placed in the patrol car for the ride to jail. In that moment, her future was no longer hers to plan. Do you have anything sharp on you or anything like that cuz I'm going to pat you down. it's my glasses. They're not sharp. Okay, do you want to put your glasses in your pocket? Okay. Can I see that back here? This one? Thank you, sir. Good. Uh You okay? Mhm. Is that all right? Yeah, I'm okay. Just I try not to get things on the scar. Yeah. Yeah, you got your hands in her front too. Do you want to maybe hold them hold them down like that? Good? Yes, sir. Okay. Yep. You good? All right. Just step out, please. It's a little tight because the door won't go any further, but just come this way. Thank you. And that way. Straight forward and to that right in that door. Allison Haveman Niedrach was charged with first-degree aggravated assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. She was later let out of jail, but put under house arrest, where she now waits for her trial. Moving on to the case of Britney Zamora, a teacher whose unethical actions could put her behind bars for the rest of her life. Do you have anything on you that's going to hurt you, cut you, stab you, stick you, anything like that? Um no. Because there really is um very little doubt on what happened. Um but I wanted you to be able to maybe explain um give you the opportunity to explain kind of um why it happened. Good morning, Arizona. Good morning. I'm going to start off by apologizing to the victim and his family. On March 22nd, 2018, police in Goodyear, Arizona, pulled over 27-year-old sixth-grade teacher Britney Zamora. However, [music] it soon turned out that this was no routine traffic stop, as the woman had a warrant for her arrest for one of the eeriest crimes imaginable. Come on. Just so you know, this for the has a body cam on him as well. So, um just to make you feel more comfortable, even though Can Brittany come on over here? Yeah. Did you double lock? Uh I didn't. I Okay. Brittany, I'm going to turn your wrists in here, okay? No, we just want to make sure they don't pinch you. Okay. So, we double lock them so they don't open and cut you inside, okay? Did you know about that? Do you have uh anything on you that's going to hurt me, poke me, stick me, Brittany? Poke me or what? Do you have anything on you that's going to hurt me, poke me, stick me, anything like that? >> Um no. Anything dangerous? No weapons? Can you turn towards me? Open up your mouth. Lift up your tongue. Okay. And then I will help you. I know it's a big step. Okay. All right. One female in custody on board, en route to ops, starting 46. Do you want the window down a little bit? No, thank you. Okay. I'm sorry. I don't know. I can't give you any of that information. However, this humiliation was just beginning. As officers went inside the station, a news reporter pushed through with a camera, asking her how she could have the conscience to hide such a nasty crime. Ms. Zamora, did you have an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old boy, one of your students? Ms. Zamora, do you have anything to say, teachers? At the police station, a detective sat down with Zamora in [music] a small interrogation room. He started off friendly, asking about her job and her life. He was about to get her comfortable before revealing how much evidence they really had against her. I'm Detective Cure, if you don't mind. >> Okay. And um did they tell you why you're here? Didn't tell you why you're under arrest? No. Okay. Um it's involving um your relationship with Okay. Um let me just get your information. Okay. How do you spell your first name? B R I T T A N Y And who else is with you? My husband. What's his name? Daniel. And where do you work right now, Brittany? Last Resort Academy. And how long have you been there? Since um July. What's your first year? Well, that's what Okay, that's school. And where were you before that? Bell Street Elementary School. And how long were you there? Um from July 2013 to May 2018. And what is your What's your position right now? Sixth grade teacher. Sixth grade teacher, okay. And then And what did you do there? That little thing? Mhm. Um [clears throat] fourth and fifth. Feeling the detective was on her side, Zamora tried to downplay her arrest, asking if it was just a school issue. The detective's calm voice had deceived her into thinking she was safe. Then it shifted, sharp, deliberate, leaving no doubt. He wasn't asking if she did it. He was giving her one last chance to explain herself before everything closed in. question? You can. Um so, is this Is it this arrest from the school or was this from like something else? Um So, I had like I had my school call me yesterday and tell me that I was on probation, but I had his father contact me and say So, I'm just trying to figure out which one it was from. Well, it's um It's it's it's more from from um Thanks. Okay. Like you know, the school doesn't really call me and Okay. So, it's Yeah, the the school's not pressing charges or something like that. It's it's just it's dealing with Yeah. So, we're going to have that issue. You know, um there really is I guess I wanted to give you the opportunity cuz there really is um very little doubt on what happened. Um but I wanted you to be able to maybe explain um give you the opportunity to explain kind of um why it happened. The reality of her situation finally crashed down. The detective told Zamora she would not be going home. She was going to jail that night. Her immediate reaction showed her deepest fear, not of the legal system, but of the other prisoners waiting for her. Do these type of things happen in public? Um They don't have to be in public, but you've kind of been in the school industry long enough to know that uh when something happens at a school, you know, letters end up having to go out and people ask questions. Mhm. Um I think that if we're speaking honestly, it's difficult like comfortable. Um But if we're speaking honestly, I don't know. It varies. Sure. I can't I can't give you I don't I can't give you a black and white answer to that. Did you have any more questions for me? What are the next steps? Um the next step is basically you you do go to jail tonight. >> Great. Um I submit some paperwork. I'm a little afraid you're going to tear me apart. Well, I mean if you have problems with somebody, you can voice that to somebody. Um >> [clears throat] >> and if there are problems, they can isolate you. How long do I stay in jail for? The basically what usually happens is uh you go down there and um you see an IA judge within within 12 hours. Um and that judge will determine what they want to do. In her first court hearing, a judge read the formal charges out loud. Zamora was about to hear the legal terms for her actions, child molestation and sending obscene material to a minor. These were felonies that could put her away for life. Two felonies, two counts of child molestation, class two felonies, and one count of obscene material transmittal, a class four felony. The court is not finding probable cause with respect to one count of sexual conduct with a minor, a class two felony. Ms. Zamora, the court has appointed you an attorney. You have a status conference on March 29th [music] at 8:30 and a preliminary hearing on April 2nd at 8:45. Both of those are at 175 West Madison. Does the state wish to address release conditions at this time? Only briefly, Your Honor. Again, the attached addendum is is clear as the nature of the allegations. Uh it's clear we have uh more than one victim. Um and it remains to be determined if there are any others. Your Honor, given the nature of the allegations contained within the addendum, the state uh the assigned deputy county attorney in this matter has requested uh the reasonable setting in the amount of $300,000 secured appearance bond uh as well as the other mandatory conditions as well as no contact with the [music] alleged victims and or witnesses in this matter. The judge then gave Zamora a chance to speak about release. Still in shock, the teacher made a quiet, desperate plea for the one thing she couldn't have, her freedom. The judge denied it. She set bond at a quarter million dollars, ordering electronic monitoring and no contact with children. [music] Zamora would leave knowing her old life was gone. So, the court just asked for the state's opinion as to releasing you and he requested a very high bond to keep you in custody. Um I don't want you to >> [music] >> comment on the charges without [clears throat] your attorney here. So, is there anything you just want the court to know about whether or not I should release you >> [music] >> or impose a bond at this time. And if you have nothing to say, that's okay as well. Anything [music] else? The court is going to impose a bond at this time. The court is imposing a secured appearance [music] bond in the amount of $250,000. If you post that, you'll be on pretrial supervision with electronic monitoring. Ms. Zamora, you may not return to the scene of the crime if you post [music] that. No contact with any of the victims, witnesses, officers, and no contact with any minors. No drugs without a valid prescription. The court wants to be very [music] clear. You may not have any contact with any of the witnesses, victims, or any of their family members. The court is also admonishing you the court You may not have [music] someone else contact any of those people on your behalf. Does that make sense? Okay. This bond is being set based on these charges and this one victim. Um but if that changes in the future, a review of this bond is appropriate at that time. At her next hearing, the judge formally entered not guilty pleas for Zamora. The court then scheduled her upcoming trial dates. All right, this is your initial appearance on counts number 12, 13, 14, and 15. [music] A not guilty plea is entered on your behalf on all charges. Your next court date will be an initial pretrial conference on May the 18th, 2018 15 in the morning before Commissioner Mata. You'll have a comprehensive pretrial conference on June the 5th, 2018 at 8:31 in the morning before the assigned judge, Judge Thompson. The court notes that you have private counsel retained in this matter. It is ordered affirming all prior release conditions. [music] If you get released from custody, it's ordered that you submit to DNA testing within five business days with the arresting [music] agency. Is there anything further in this matter? No, thank you, Your Honor. At her sentencing hearing months later, Zamora stood to give a final statement. She was about to beg the judge for mercy, to list her teaching awards, and to claim she was a good person who made a terrible mistake. >> She would like to reach the podium, Your Honor. Certainly. >> [clears throat] >> Good morning, ma'am. Good morning. I'm going to start off by apologizing to the victim and his family. I'm sorry for any undue stress or pain that I may have caused. I'm ashamed of my actions and I'm completely remorseful and truly regret what took place. >> [snorts] >> I know I'm a very responsible, caring, happy, and thoughtful person. My actions were completely out of character for me. As an adult and a teacher, I am meant [snorts] to set an example and I did not follow according to that expectation. Prior to this incident, I was an amazing teacher and citizen. I started programs while teaching to help stop bullying, teach girls about nutrition, fitness, create fundraisers to help with autism, and help families in need. >> [snorts] >> Filled 25 plus desks with school supplies each year and even won Teacher of the Year in 2016. As far as a citizen goes, I've lived my life respecting and trying to obey every law. I would do anything to reenter society sooner for a second chance. >> [snorts] >> This sentencing is not only taking decades of my own life and experiences away, [clears throat] but those of my loved ones as well. My family knows who I am and my heart, so this is just as hard on them. Therefore, I'd also like to apologize to them. The judge listened, then delivered the sentence. Brittany Zamora was about to learn how many years of her life she would lose for her crimes. The number would be measured in decades. The court finds the stipulations in the plea agreement are appropriate. I am going to order that the defendant register as a sex offender as to all three counts. I'm going to order that restitution remain open on all three counts for a period of 750 days. For amended count one, the court finds >> [music] >> that the presumptive term is appropriate. So, it is ordered the defendant be incarcerated in the Department of Corrections for 20 calendar years with credit for 478 days of pre-sentence credit. As to amended count two and amended count 15, it is ordered suspending the imposition of sentence and placing the defendant on supervised probation for a lifetime term to begin upon physical release from the Department of Corrections. But the punishment did not end with prison time. The judge added more conditions that would follow her for the rest of her life. She was about to be told she would never truly be free again. The terms and conditions of probation are in writing. You'll have an opportunity to read and sign those terms shortly. When you sign the terms of probation, it indicates to the court you understand and will follow those terms. If you do not follow those terms, you could be returned to court and found in violation, your probation could be revoked, and you could be sent back to prison for the maximum term provided by law for each of these offenses for counts two and 15 as amended. Do you understand? The teacher who broke the ultimate trust was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Upon release, she will be on lifetime probation and must [music] register as a sex offender for life. Brittany Zamora is scheduled for release on March 16th, 2038. [music] If you thought that was inappropriate, wait until you hear about the teacher who was caught inside [music] the school having a relationship with a student 15 years younger than herself. >> Here's a search warrant. Like I said, you got a copy. Cuz I know you guys have a Facebook together. >> Facebook, yeah. Okay. Are you 15 years older than him? Yes. You both know who you're talking to. You're talking to On November 11th, 2024, in Estancia, New Mexico, a substitute teacher was caught in a place she should not have been. 33-year-old Mikaela Ford was found intimately hugging a 15-year-old student on middle school property just days after a video surfaced of them kissing. School officials confronted her and immediately called the police. This was the moment her secret life began to unravel. After being caught with the student again, Mikaela was confronted by school official Ms. Sims. Police were called and the school official showed them the video and told the whole story, including other information. >> I stood over here and she Do you know where our time clock is? No. So, right outside this door, right where Leonard sits, the time clock's right behind here. So, I walked out and stood there while she did and it said thank you and timed her out. Well, the boy was waiting for her. Outside? No, he came into the office. >> Oh, really? Okay. >> And she was like avoiding any eye contact. No contact. He's looking at me like and I'm going, "Well, that's it." And Leonard was sitting there and we're like, "There she goes. Let's make sure she leaves." And you said there was two videos? So, that's the one I saw. That's all I knew as of that day that I called Dr. Sims back, told her I had this and that she clocked out. Okay. Sounds good. >> That's what I knew from that was whatever day that was, Wednesday. Yeah, they and they had told us that you disclosed everything, so. >> Mhm. I That's what I knew. Yeah. And then this is today. This is today. I haven't seen this cuz I've been doing this other stuff. >> Okay. Do we know if what she drives or anything? Do you know? I do not know at this point. Okay. I saw her husband in a stuck out Chevy or F-150 pickup truck. Okay. I have a pic Do you know what he looks like? Do you know No. I've got a picture of him whenever they were doing a the Halloween stuff for the yearbook. He was shaking Trump's hand. Which was uh Mr. Lovato. So, I have that one. This This is the picture. The saddest part was that the victim she chose had his father die last year. >> Uh uh the court bought um he's um guardians. He's um I don't know. >> foster parents. I I know that when his dad It still says his dad in PowerSchool and his dad died last year. So, I I I know he was married to a lady that was I I don't want to use the word abusive, but it because it was never a When we did see what I don't even remember it's the counselors who I have to stuff at that time because they came in to talk to us. And couldn't tell like he he's he's a difficult kid and she had a short temper cuz she was the stepmom. I don't remember that. outcome of that. They But when the dad died, I don't know if he just was going to stay there with the stepmom. I don't think she I don't know if she had custody of him or what. I have no idea. Okay. Furthermore, Sims revealed that during their confrontation, Mikaela panicked and desperately pleaded for her to tell no one. She never wanted to articulate or explain the video, right? She just said, "Don't tell my husband. Here's my cards." and >> can't get in trouble for this." and I just I I I said, "You're You're aware that this is illegal. >> Yeah. >> that this potentially is a felony. You're aware that" and she was like, "I just don't want I just don't want to be in trouble and I told him not to talk to me, but he started talking to me." and I'm like, "Well, you can't work here." As a result, the next day, November 12th, police arrived at Mikaela's home with warrants. At her doorstep, they gave her a tense ultimatum: cooperate with handing over her phone or they would execute a full search. Hello. Can I help you? Yeah, we're looking for Mikaela. Mikaela? Yeah. Mikaela? Come here, baby. Coming. Hello. Hi. Can we speak with you? So, I'm Officer Aragon. This is uh my Sergeant Duran here. Um we just need to speak to you. Okay. Okay. And who is this? This is my aunt/mom. Okay. Did you want her present or Uh she She'll be back inside. This doesn't matter. Okay. Okay. I got it. Do you need me? No. Okay. Do you know why we're here, Mikaela? I think so. What What What do you >> I think it might be something to do with what had happened at the school. Okay. Um >> correct. Okay. Yeah, so before we continue, do you have your cell phone? No. Where is it at? Uh in the house. >> Can you go get it for us? Uh why? Okay. So, we need it. It's for the investigation, okay? So, if you cooperate with us, I know you made a comment to the principal that you don't want your husband to find out. Is that correct? >> Well, I'm going through a divorce, so yeah. No, he knows what's going on cuz I already I already told him. Okay. So, this could go one or two ways. Okay? You could cooperate and give us your cell phone or I could pull the search warrant from behind my back and we're going to go in and get it. Okay. So, we're going to search the whole house. We don't We don't want to have to do that, but we're able to. Once they had the phone, >> [music] >> the officers immediately revealed their true purpose, stating they had video evidence of her intimacy with the student and placed her under arrest. This triggered instant chaos [music] as a family member intervened. So, here's a search warrant. Like I said, you got a copy. Okay. So, here's the other thing. Um is it password Yeah. protected? So, you could give us the password so we could go through, do our investigation, or we're going to take it to the FBI building and get it dumped either way. So, we're going to go through it. It's If you want to cooperate, try and get it back quicker. >> I I can unlock it really quick if you don't You guys want >> Yeah. Rest assured. We're just looking to make sure nothing's being deleted, okay? No. Okay. >> Do you want me to Here, I was just going to take >> mode, look, and I'm going to >> I was just going to unlock take out the passcode really quick if you Can you just give us the passcode? I can just unlock keep it unlocked. >> Okay. So, at this point, we have to preserve any evidence, anything we're looking for in our investigation, okay? >> watch me do it. I promise I won't delete anything. I will get it from the screen watch. All right, Mikaela. So, So you say anything else, okay? I'm going to be transparent with you. We have a warrant for your arrest. Okay. Okay? For it's contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Okay. Okay? We got you on video, you guys kissing, being intimate. So I'm going to need you to stand up, okay? I have shoes. I'll get you some shoes. Get some shoes. Oh, you can't go back inside here. Can't I have my Can I come for me then? Yeah, yeah. If you open my door one more time, you do not have a warrant. It has not been zeroed to me. Hey, we do have a warrant. Not for me. Or my Get them back or I will arrest you. Get out of my Hey, we told you we Why are you in my face like that? And he assaulted my sergeant on the lawn. We have a search warrant for your house. Accident incident log. I'm not stopping. You have to send me my entire I didn't yell in your face. Yes, you were in my face. >> at my door and I never left my door. And I didn't even open your door. I'm trying to ask you to get her shoes. And you're acting like a fool. We're trying to get her shoes and do this calm, but why are you escalating this? What did I What did I show you? We had a search warrant. We got her her shoes. Yeah. We have a search warrant. You wanted to start Not intimidating anything. So you were not intimidated when you stepped up to my sergeant. >> He knows me. I've had I don't even know you. I don't even know you. I'm old. I'm on oxygen. I'm diabetic. Can you help me help me so we can get out of here? We just need some shoes for her. When reached at the police station, Mikaela agreed to talk and she told the officer that she used to talk through Messenger. She launched into a prepared story portraying herself as a compassionate mentor to a troubled orphaned student [music] claiming she saw him only as a brother. Having these rights in mind, do you want to talk to us? Sure. Okay. So let's go inside where it's warm and then we'll figure that out, okay? Um real quick, now that I read that to you like I said, transparency and honesty goes a long way. Is there any other means that you guys were communicating like laptop, email, Facebook cuz I know you guys have Facebook together. Facebook, yeah. We did communicate a couple times, but Was it through Messenger or what through it? Okay. It's on my phone. Okay. All right. Okay. So was it like um was that like a good time of day for him to like vent to you? Was lunch Is that when you guys would like meet and talk and stuff? Yeah, he would meet with me and talk at lunch. Um and if I was at the high school, he would come and see me with a bunch of kids in the class cuz I would always sit in the classroom with whoever I was subbing for just because I don't really have a car. I don't I walk to and from places, so I'm like, "There's no way for me to do anything." >> Yeah. And so I just sit in the classroom and I would, you know, just be on my phone and talk to my husband when I could. Okay. >> And then he'd come to talk to me. Like I said, he's usually with a bunch of kids in the class, not ever alone. I always make sure it was in a public area if I could just so that way there wasn't any questions. Okay. About me dating a student which I'm I'm not. How could I? To me, I think he has like one friend that I don't think he really talks to. Oh, really? Yeah. Um Is that what kind of gravitated you towards him on wanting to help him out? Yes, in a sense because I again, I was like that as a kid um just because I knew that being lonely doesn't always help and having somebody to talk to does. Okay. Do you think that's where you two got a pretty deep um No, because I tried to be >> was because you guys both have experienced loss or It could. What What What do you think? So let me ask this and and I'm not trying to say you're wrong or do whatever reason cuz that's not What drew you to him? What What made you >> having a whole lot of people to talk to. Um I >> You felt like you were taking on like um like talking to him, what kind of role would you say you felt like you were trying to or or you were helping him? Was it like a sister role? Was it a mother role? Was it more like a girlfriend role? >> sisterly role um just because moms just that's a little weird um especially since I didn't know how he felt about um his own parents or his step parents or his adopted parents or whatever they are at this point. Okay. Um So I was just trying to be more of a sister. I would normally call him like my adopted brother just because I didn't want people to think we were dating cuz we weren't. He did talk to me a lot. So would you tell other people that you guys were adopted? >> just that way it wasn't like super weird and um that he was more like my brother and I explained that to the principal too. It's like I really I only see him as a brother, not anything. However, the officer quickly saw through her lies specifically questioning why she had begged the principal to keep it from her husband. When you said that day you went um you realized that you didn't want to work for the schools anymore because of your divorce. Um it was mostly from my divorce because during like the mid portion of the day the mid morning slash mid portion of the day I just kept like thinking back to that I wasn't really there. I was just hit more dealing with my own stuff that >> Okay. and what it will affect my kid and stuff like that. And so my mindset wasn't already on the kids and for me that's not okay. The kids should come first. Okay. in that situation. Um So what was the conversation between you and the principal then? So I told the principal that I understood what she was what she was talking about and I was like it it was not supposed to happen. Um when he did it, I was just really like taken by surprise cuz he's never expressed how he felt about me in that way. And we I did put boundaries in place and that it was never supposed to happen and that I was leaving. Okay. >> Cuz I was not comfortable and I didn't want it to happen again. I didn't want to be dragged to jail um and stuff like that. And I told her that it was mostly because I was not in the right mindset cuz I was dealing with my divorce and my she she called Miss Annette to see if she could take my badge my badges badges and I could clock out and have a day. >> Um You uh she stated that you made a comment that you didn't want your husband to find out or please don't tell my husband. >> I I said that cuz I I was going to go tell him. I tell my husband everything. Okay. Um I just didn't want her to call my husband and and you know, surprise her with all the information. Okay. Just because my husband is, you know, more protective of me than he should probably be sometimes. And I didn't want him to go do something he would regret later. Adding to her story, she told the officer she didn't mind the kiss and was just trying to help, one of many falsehoods she would offer. So the the kiss didn't concern you. It was more of of why why I wanted to know why he did it, but I didn't want to ask him directly. I don't think we I will ever find out why which is fine. Do you think you put yourself in a spot that welcomed a kiss? I probably did just by being kind and trying to help somebody who really needs it, honestly. >> Yeah. Yeah, and I don't think nobody's questioning that he needs help, right? I think we could all agree that he needs help for sure. >> was trying to be that person to be there for When pressed about inappropriate pictures or chats, Mikaela's story began to shift repeatedly clearly signaling her guilt to the investigator. Um any inappropriate pictures? No. Were there any sent? Cuz you know we can retrieve all that, right? Well, I So that So Mikaela, okay. >> I think I might have sent him one that wasn't appropriate, but it wasn't meant for him. I did delete it afterwards just because I didn't need anything strange going on. Um it wasn't meant for him. It was meant for my husband, but um I think that might be the only thing. Okay. And was any returned from him? Not that I'm aware of. Again, I didn't I didn't notice just because I don't keep track of everything. Okay. So I You know this isn't my first day in law enforcement, right? Okay. Oh, okay. That's what I'm trying to say. I don't know if there was any that was I I don't all open Well, that's fine. What was the picture that was accidentally sent to him? Uh just me at my without my shirt. Knowing her phone held the undeniable truth, the detective then gave her a final opportunity to confess warning that honesty would look far better than the explicit messages he was certain to find. If you're honest with that, right? You see how good that looks compared to us having to go out that way and that's what we're going to use. Yeah. Okay. Like I said, I don't remember if he commented on it or anything like that. Again, it was not meant for him. I know I said it through messages, but I don't remember Okay. if um And I commented or anything cuz I kind of just like stopped using my phone at that point. Okay. Um And I feel like, you know, I think you kind of I wouldn't say maybe necessarily trust me, but I think you know I'm treating you with respect, right? And I'm just trying to I'm just trying to be as honest as I can possibly be. Again, I don't remember all I've said to him. You know, Mikaela sent a message saying that, you know, I like to do oral or whatever Yeah, like I said, it would be in person. But then I want to put but she was talking about doing this with her Does that make sense? Yeah, like I said, I don't know all I said and most of it should have been for my husband um at that time. It should not have been meant meant for him things like that. I just don't remember what I said to give you a completely honest answer to that question. And that's fine, right? And and I just wanted to give you that chance to talk about that because you know, after this point when I go through the phone, it's just whatever I find. Could there have been a physical interaction that you just don't remember because of all this stuff you're going through? Could be. I would say could cuz again not being able to remember And if you can't remember anything, what would be the physical interaction that you would touching touching touching um maybe his hand or touching like a shoulder or something. What else? That's about it that I can think of. Forget my box. Okay. I want to be honest, I'm not sure. Cuz mentally I have not been here. I'm going to be completely So, is there a chance that he could say you guys had and you just don't remember having it? No. No? >> I would remember if I had to there. Okay. And what about seeing each other's private parts? I guess. Is there a chance There There could have been a chance that he saw or I he sent me something, but I would not Okay. At this point, Mikaela became frightened and confused upon learning that all her deleted messages could be retrieved, exposing a truth far worse than anticipated. Yes, ma'am. Go ahead. It's probably nothing. Just so I know what the word means. Uh we take it to the FBI building. Anything that's deleted, anything that's, you know, archived whatever, it all gets dumped on a hard drive. We can see everything. Deleted messages, deleted pictures, deleted accounts, everything. That's why when it's on here, right? Looks better than us having to go and dump it. We still get what we wanted. And like I said, I don't remember deleting most of my stuff, but I do I know I do it a lot when I'm, you know, emotional here. Yeah. I just I think it's just a lot of back-and-forthing I do. So, I would be honest with you about that. Okay. The officer tried one last time for a confession before examining the phone. She continued to deny everything. I know you guys have It's very clear. Okay. So, at what point was that initiated and who initiated it? We haven't had No, bro. That's the thing, we haven't. Okay. Confronted with the inevitable, the detective began reading the actual text exchanges from her phone. The loving, explicit, and spousal language completely destroyed her sisterly facade. >> Are you 15 years older than him? Yes. Okay. I I'll be honest, I was born June 9th, 1994. The next day she went back and did something she was not supposed to. She kissed him like nothing else. Then laid and then led to them having in his bed. Again, it's how I was feeling at the time. That was all they both needed. They were perfect together. And like I said, I I haven't been listening to our hero and I could just be expressing how I feel about my husband. And like I said, that That was the right direction. So, so we both know this isn't about your husband. Okay. That's I I'm giving you a lot of the benefit of the doubt on a lot of this stuff, okay? I am. We both know that this message is not about your husband. Can we agree to that? But it could be. So, you call him your hero because that was the name of the song. Yeah. My skillet. Okay, so this happened yesterday. Right? You're sad. Why? I miss you. I miss you, too, but what is TMR? T M Yeah. Cuz I miss you, too, but >> I don't know a whole lot of the text Okay. I know you are in um I O N on other news, but again, he's I think he says it as I don't know or I don't know. I know I D K and L O L. Okay. Okay, so And like I said, a lot of it's just how I feel. Like that's why >> We're going to be okay. Yes, we will. I hope so. We will. Promise. I promise. Okay, I can trust you. Okay, babe. But since she was us, I'm glad you didn't grab my dick. I feel a bit better. Just wish I was there. And boy, was I right not to do so. Well, again, I wasn't supposed to say any of that. I haven't meant I was going to, but I'm glad I didn't. Yeah. Yeah. Why didn't you, though? I knew we would have been caught. Oh, yeah. Well, I gues I guess tomorrow morning you won't come see me. Yeah, okay. Just cuz I can. Sorry. It's okay. I love you, babe. I love you, too, princess. What's wrong? None. Why? I feel like you're mad. No. I am smelling hoodie while I have it. Good. Really? Yes. Why? Cuz I gave it to you for a reason. What is it? Your reason? My hoodie. I get that. What was your reason for giving me the hoodie? You wanted it. And it smells like you, so I wanted it. Yeah. It is the only way I'm going to get through this long distance thing. Yeah. Yeah, for a while. Then once I get out, I'll be able to be with you. These people are crazy down, but whatever. You mean everything. You're going to be okay with this for a while? Yeah. Going to have to be. I know, babe, but once I have my place, you can stay with me. Then we don't have to be so far apart. Plus, I'm getting you a ring for Christmas. Yes, babe. I love you. I love you, too, my hero. Pumpkin, still here. And the ring was never meant for my husband, not for him. Finally, with the evidence laid bare, the detective directly confronted her lies, dismissing her last-ditch excuse that the messages were for her husband, enforcing her to face reality. Why you guys calling each other husband and wife? But again, I did wasn't meant for for that. My My My phone automatically does certain auto messages. Um auto sends. And auto sends auto corrects. Um so, when I'm trying to say something, it's not always right. I do know that. Okay. I gave you your opportunity. You're not talking about your husband. You're not talking to your husband. We both know who you're talking to. You're talking to Okay. There would be no context why you and your husband would be talking about why the school knows you guys are dating. You guys aren't in school. You're 30 years old and you're married. You're not dating. Correct? So, can we cut that act now and say that at least what's on this conversation, I'm not talking about previous ones, but what you guys are talking about right now, everything was meant towards just like everything to meant towards you. Is that correct? Yes, it's my Mikaela Ford ultimately faced multiple felony charges, including exploitation of a child, criminal by a school employee, criminal contact of a young person, solicitation of a child, and enticement [music] of a minor.