Alexandria Vera, teacher impregnated by 13-year-old student, pleads guilty

Alexandria Vera, 24, a former Aldine ISD teacher, accepted a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, which has a maximum sentence of life in prison. See more photos of Texas teachers implicated in school-related scandals ...

less Alexandria Vera, 24, a former Aldine ISD teacher, accepted a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, which has a maximum sentence of life in prison. See more photos of Texas teachers implicated in ... more Photo: Facebook / Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Photo: Facebook / Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close Alexandria Vera, teacher impregnated by 13-year-old student, pleads guilty 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

A middle school teacher accused of having a long-term sexual relationship with a 13-year-old boy, pleaded guilty Wednesday in exchange for a cap of 30 years in prison and an agreement to be sentenced by the judge.

Alexandria Vera, 24, a former Aldine ISD teacher, accepted a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, which has a maximum sentence of life in prison.

However, under the plea deal, her possible punishment is capped at 30 years and she is eligible for deferred adjudication probation.

"We're very much hoping for deferred adjudication," said defense attorney Ricardo Rodriguez.

Deferred adjudication is a form of probation that would leave her without a conviction on her record if she successfully completes the term without incident.

State District Judge Michael McSpadden will undertake a pre-sentence investigation, in which he will accept letters of support and opposition, review the facts and decide an appropriate punishment at a hearing in January.

Vera has been free on a $100,000 bail, but has had to wear a GPS ankle monitor, stay away from schools and have no contact with the teen who allegedly impregnated her. She later had an abortion, according to court records.

Vera had faced a punishment range of 25 years in prison to life if convicted of continuous sexual assault of a child, a felony with a heightened punishment, even for first offenders

The case was complicated because the victim's family allegedly knew about the relationship and supported it.

Authorities got involved after officials with Child Protective Services were notified about a possible sexual relationship and found out during their investigation that Vera had gotten pregnant.

Vera and the underage student apparently met when he was a student of hers in summer school at Stovall Middle School, according to court records.

brian.rogers@chron.com