Former La Mesa Teacher Sentenced to Prison for Student Sex Abuse

Michael Davis pleaded guilty to having sex with a 17-year-old student while he was a teacher at The Learning Choice Academy.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A former teacher at The Learning Choice Academy in La Mesa, California was sentenced to three years in prison for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. Michael Davis, 34, pleaded guilty to a single count of sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years his junior and was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious breach of trust when teachers abuse their positions of authority and engage in sexual relationships with students, which is considered a form of child sexual abuse even if the student is above the age of consent.

The details

Davis was arrested after his then-wife found text messages between him and the student on his phone and reported them to the police. He was released on $50,000 bail after his initial arrest in April. Davis' attorney claimed the sexual activity was consensual, but the prosecutor stated that when a teacher engages in a sexual relationship with a student, it is a betrayal of the public's trust in schools to keep children safe.

  • On April 8, Davis was arrested by San Diego police.
  • On March 5, 2026, Davis was sentenced to three years in prison.

The players

Michael Davis

A 34-year-old former teacher at The Learning Choice Academy in La Mesa, California who pleaded guilty to having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.

Erik Friis

The attorney representing Michael Davis, who claimed the sexual activity was consensual and that Davis has no prior criminal record.

Vanessa Gerard

The Deputy District Attorney who stated that when a teacher engages in a sexual relationship with a student, it is a betrayal of the public's trust in schools to keep children safe.

The Learning Choice Academy

The hybrid homeschooling program in La Mesa, California where Michael Davis taught and was placed on administrative leave after the allegations surfaced.

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What they’re saying

“Every day, parents and students trust our schools to keep kids safe. So when a teacher in a position of authority engages in a sexual relationship with a student, it's a betrayal of the public's trust.”

— Vanessa Gerard, Deputy District Attorney (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The judge's decision on whether to allow Davis to be released on bail will be announced on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of schools and teachers maintaining appropriate boundaries with students, and the severe consequences when those boundaries are violated through sexual abuse of minors, even if the student is above the age of consent.