ELYRIA, Ohio — A 28-year-old woman who pepper-sprayed the principal of Elyria's Hamilton Elementary School last year will serve time behind bars.
Jessica Houze, whose child attended Hamilton, pleaded guilty in February to charges of felonious assault. On Monday, Lorain County Common Pleas Judge D. Chris Cook sentenced her to up to six months in the county jail, which will be the beginning of two full years of probation.
"If you have a good jail record and the experience is reflecting positive reports, I will consider releasing you early after some period of time," Cook took a tearful Houze as he issued the punishment. "But you're going to go to jail for some period of time for what happened in this situation."
On April 18, 2023, Houze was yelling obscenities at the school's assistant principal (who was seven months pregnant at the time) when the principal intervened in the incident as it occurred at the side door of the building. The principal, who recognized Houze, attempted to shut the doors before Houze lifter her key chain and sprayed the principal in the face with her mace before leaving the area.
Houze turned herself in to police later that day before pleading guilty nearly 10 months later. On Monday, she offered an emotional apology for her actions, saying they were "not who I am as a loving and caring mother."
"I was worried, stressed, and very concerned about my child," Houze told the court, referring to an incident involving her child she believed was not being properly addressed by the school. "My emotional reaction for my family can sometimes seem irrational."
Houze had faced up to two years behind bars for her crimes. In issuing the sentence, Cook gave Houze two weeks to report to jail in order to get her affairs in order, particularly arrangements for her two kids.
3News' Ben Axelrod and Dave DeNatale contributed to this report.