High School Counselor Sentenced for Sexual Abuse

The sister of a 16-year-old boy, who was sexually abused by his high school counselor, harshly condemned the educator just moments before he received a two-year probation sentence. She referred to him as a “predator” and a “monster.”

Julie Tichon is awaiting her fate in a Los Angeles court after pleading no contest to two felony charges: engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger than herself, and oral copulation with someone under 18.

The victim was a student at Yura High School, a Modern Orthodox Jewish yeshiva where Tichon worked as a counselor. Between February and March 2024, she allegedly had sexual encounters with the boy multiple times, leading to her arrest in August 2024.

During the court proceedings, Sarah, the victim’s sister, read out five letters—four penned by her sisters and one by herself—denouncing Tichon’s behavior. She shared that the family had been devastated after their mother passed away in 2023 and described how Tichon preyed on children during a time when they were exceptionally vulnerable.

As rumors of the inappropriate relationship circulated around the school, Sarah expressed that their lives were fundamentally altered. “I felt isolated and alone. They judged me, even though my brother was the victim. I often found myself hiding in the school bathroom,” wrote Fani, another sister.

The situation has profoundly impacted their tight-knit religious community, according to Sarah. She expressed that Tichon had inflicted deep emotional harm, branding her as a “monster” and “dangerous predator.” “I hate Julie Tichon. We trusted her with his safety, and she exploited that trust,” Sarah stated.

Throughout the session, Tichon sat alongside her lawyer, Tariq Qero, dressed in black attire and seemingly fixed on a point ahead while letters were read. Following the proceedings, Tichon expressed regret, saying, “I’m sorry, I wish that hadn’t happened.”

Qero noted that he had advised Tichon to plead the case rather than face a guilty verdict, an approach the family criticized in their letters. He acknowledged the tragic loss of Tichon’s brother to suicide around the same time as the victim’s mother’s death but emphasized that it didn’t justify her actions. “I wanted to be there for him and provide the support that I lacked,” Tichon remarked.

Qero mentioned that Tichon is actively working on bettering herself, engaging in therapy, and striving to prevent anyone else from experiencing such trauma in the future.

As part of her probation, Tichon must register as a sex offender, continue with therapy, and maintain a distance of 100 yards from the victim. When asked if she understood these conditions, she confirmed, “Yes, sir.” Family members of the victims were visibly emotional as the terms were outlined in court.