Investigations into the alleged relationship between a 30-year-old teacher and girls’ soccer coach and a 17-year-old student have led to teacher facing 15 felony counts of sexual acts with a student. He was arrested on Friday, October 17 and pled not guilty.
The teacher in question began working at Downey High School last spring as a social studies teacher and soccer coach for the girls’ team. Investigation into the acts began when the school reported the alleged relationship on October 9. The student has not yet been identified, but according to sources, she was a junior when the relationship began and is now in her senior year. Other sources have further reported that many of the sexual acts reportedly took place in the teacher’s classroom, from March through October of this year. At this time, the investigation is looking into the possibility of there being more victims.
The teacher was charged with the following:
- 10 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor
- 5 counts of oral copulation with a minor
A statement was issued by the Downey Unified School District which emphasized that maintaining student safety continues to be their number one priority. The teacher has been placed on unpaid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. If convicted of all felony counts, the district will discuss whether or not to terminate his contract, and also he may face up to 13 years in prison. The teacher will have another court appearance in November.
Parents Indicate Concern for Student Safety
Parents of Downey High School students have reported some worries over the alleged relationship. Some parents have called for administrators to tighten up on monitoring teachers, coaches, and other adult mentors. Other parents have claimed, on the other hand, that students do share part of the responsibility, and should exercise discretion if they becomes involved in a relationship that may be inappropriate. Across the board, most of the parents agreed that school officials, students, and parents must work together to maintain the right to attend school in a safe environment.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse or child abuse in California, contact The Senators (Ret.) Law Firm, LLP. We believe that every victim of abuse deserves the right to seek justice. Please call us today to learn more about how we can help.