James Hooker and Jordan Powers were thrust into the limelight after appearing on the Dr Phil show professing their love to each other.
The proclamation was not a problem except that James was a 41-year-old high school teacher, and Jordan was 18 in 2012.
Jordan’s mother, Tammie Powers, confronted the couple, claiming that James had manipulated her daughter.
The controversial relationship between James and Jordan
This couple’s relationship reportedly began when Jordan was 15, though it became public and controversial after she turned 18.
The two met when James was her business teacher at Enochs High School in Modesto, California.
James left his wife and family to pursue his relationship with Jordan at the time, sparking media outrage and legal scrutiny due to the age difference and the teacher-student dynamic.
Hooker arrest and registering as a sex offender
After the interview raised public outrage, James was investigated by law enforcers. It was discovered that he had had another inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl nearly two decades earlier.
This resulted in court proceedings and, ultimately, a short stint in jail for James.
Although he avoided major penalties, Hooker was placed on probation and required to register as a sex offender for this earlier offense.
Hooker and Power’s break up
Jordan broke up with him briefly after his arrest and court proceedings. She expressed regret for losing friends and missing out on her senior year because of the inappropriate relationship with Hooker.
However, despite this breakup, reports indicate that the two reconciled shortly afterward, and she moved back to their shared apartment.
Current updates on Jordan and James
James’ wife filed for divorce shortly after the court proceedings and left with the kids.
It is not clear if Jordan and James are still together or if they broke up. The couple has maintained a low profile by avoiding public scrutiny and media coverage.