Modesto teacher who left wife to live with student has no regrets

 

Controversy is continuing to swirl around a 41-year-old Modesto teacher, who recently resigned his position, left his wife and moved in with an 18-year-old student.

The Enochs High School teacher, James Hooker, is fighting back against allegations that he did something illegal as police investigate whether the relationship began before the girl turned 18.

Jordan Powers' mother said she has proof their relationship began sooner. She said she has text messages, phone records and a police report to help build her case. She has also been waging a very public fight on Facebook and in the media.

Hooker has left his wife and children, including a daughter who is a junior at the same high school.

"There would be nothing to arrest me on," Hooker said. "There was no relationship before she was 18. There's a lot of rumors going on."

He also called his girlfriend's mother's allegations a "pack of lies" and urged people to be careful in choosing what to believe.

Modesto City Schools Supt. Pam Able confirmed Hooker's resignation Tuesday morning.

In an email to the Modesto Bee, Able confirmed Hooker's resignation and said that allegations of the relationship are a "source of great concern for staff, students and parents."

"I consider student-teacher dating relationships to be not only unprofessional, but immoral," Able said.

The couple also appeared on "Good Morning America" on Thursday to defend their relationship.

"I don't regret anything," Hooker said.

"He's my best friend," Jordan Powers said. "I mean, he's more than just a lover."

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-- Fox 40 News