Fresno Teacher Confronts Men Who Attacked Her

08/01/2007 (KFSN) -- A teacher attacked and robbed on the high school campus she worked on confronted the men accused of the crime for the first time.

Former McLane high school teacher Susan Rivas appeared in court to tell the judge how this crime impacted her life, as the judge considered punishment for the men involved in the crime.

Up until this point Susan Rivas has remained silent about what happened in January.

Investigators say the McLane high school freshman teacher was walking to class early in the morning when she was jumped.

In court Wednesday, Rivas said "I am the victim in the robbery case of people versus Marcus Gonzales Junior." Rivas read a prepared statement to the judge and two men accused in the crime.

"In an instant my physical and mental health, my outlook on life, my decision making skills and my self worth has been ripped from my soul," Rivas read in court.

She recalled the early morning attack. Investigators say Marcus Gonzales approached Rivas from behind, put his arm around her neck and pointed a gun to her head. The robber got away with her jewelry and bag.

Rivas told the judge the incident forever changed her. "I'm no longer able to teach, make decisions, maintain old friendships and enjoy the luxury of a normal retirement from a 32 year career," says Rivas.

A judge delayed Gonzales' sentencing. But the man accused of receiving Rivas' stolen property Miguel Naranjo was sentenced to 180 days in jail. His attorney said Naranjo accepts responsibility.

Robert Dulce, defense attorney, says "When the police officers arrested him, He never denied anything. He told them what happened, and that's why the pled guilty."

Rivas wants both men to face the maximum amount of jail time. But some charges were dropped in exchange for guilty and no contest pleas.

"The deal itself... The way I look at it. It's an obvious insult and an injustice to my community that I live in and that I worked in," says Rivas.

Rivas says she continues to see doctors both for emotional and physical pain.

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