New York, November 9: A 43-year-old special education teacher from Valley Village in Los Angeles has been arrested and charged with child molestation and furnishing marijuana to a minor after she had sex with the 13-year-old student in her car. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced the arrest on Thursday, November 7.

As per the report published by the New York Post, the accused teacher was identified as Colleen Jo Matarico. The police said Matarico allegedly groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old student in her classroom before convincing the victim to engage in sexual intercourse in her vehicle. The LAPD’s statement also indicated that detectives believe there may be additional unidentified victims and have appealed for any other victims to come forward. US: School Guidance Counselor Sends Nude Pics, Indulges in Sex Acts With 13-Year-Old Student in Connecticut; Arrested for Sexual Assault.

Matarico is listed as a teacher at John Burroughs Middle School in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles, according to the school’s website. Her LinkedIn profile confirms her role as a special education teacher within the Los Angeles Unified School District.

According to a message from Principal Dr Steve Martinez, the school first received complaints about Matarico last October, prompting immediate contact with the LAPD and her removal from campus. The principal assured the school community that district protocols were being followed and that the school was cooperating with local authorities. He also emphasised the availability of support for students affected by the incident. US Shocker: Female School Teacher Accused of Sending ‘Obscene Photos’ and Having Sex With Student in Office in Ohio’s Cincinnati.

Matarico faces five counts of lewd acts with a minor, two counts of lewd acts with a minor aged 14 or 15, and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor. She is currently being held on USD 1.3 million bail.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women / Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/ 1291; Missing Child and Women – 1094.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2024 12:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).