On Friday afternoon – February 21 – a Southern California teacher was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department under suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor. The teacher, 47-year old Peter Christopher Gomez, was arrested in connection to an alleged sexual assault that took place in 1999 while he was a teacher at Benjamin Franklin High School in Highland Park.
Gomez began working with the Los Angeles Unified School District at Franklin High School in 1996, according to district officials. He taught both drama and history. Officials from the LAPD stated that the agency worked with administrators from LAUSD to investigate the allegations and make the arrest. Gomez is currently being held on $950,000 bail.
Parents and students were notified of the arrest on Friday and LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy released a statement that Gomez would have no contact with students until the investigation and case concludes. Officials are also asking any other students, possible victims, and parents who may have information about the case to step forward and contact the LAPD.
Gomez’s arrest is yet another case involving sexual abuse of students at schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. At The Senators (Ret.) Firm, our California sexual abuse attorneys represent victims and families looking to file sexual abuse claims throughout Los Angeles and the state of California. If you would like more information about your rights and how our legal team can help, call (949) 557-5800.