Texas teacher sentenced 60 days for sexual abuse of former student when he was 13

A Texas teacher has been sentenced to 60 days in jail and 10 years probation for the aggravated sexual abuse of a former student, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Former Tomball ISD teacher Marka Bodine pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse of a child under 14.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the sexual abuse began back in 2018 when the boy was just 13 years old; during that time Bodine sent him sexually explicit photographs and videos.

Tomball police received allegations in April of 2021 from the former student and Bodine was then arrested for the continuous sexual abuse of a child.

During a pre-sentencing investigation on Tuesday, Judge Greg Glass in the 208th District Court allowed more evidence from investigators, according to the Houston Chronicle.

One Tomball investigator told the court in graphic detail about the abuse lasting nearly three years before the student called authorities in April 2021 to report it.

Court records show Judge Glass also gave Bodine an extra year delay before the disgraced teacher must report to the Harris County jail to serve the 60-day sentence.

The judge allowed the delay so Bodine could attend to her newborn, according to court documents.

In addition to the 60 days in jail, Bodine will also register as a sex offender, according to a court docket sheet.

"[Assistant District Attorney] Jana Oswald had asked the judge for a 20-40 yrs sentence, given the seriousness of her crime and the lasting effects of the crime & the impact on the child’s life," the Harris County District Attorney's Office said.

"Children are the most vulnerable members of our society. it is our duty to protect, not harm them," prosecutors said.