A California special education teacher has been accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student. A Los Angeles teacher had sex with an underage boy in his classroom and provided him with marijuana, police said.
On Thursday, Los Angeles police arrested Colleen Jo Matarico, 43.
Matariko is being held on $1.3 million bail.
Police said in one document: statement Matariko, of Valley Village, “groomed and sexually assaulted the 13-year-old victim in a classroom, then persuaded the victim to have sex with him in his car,” police said.
Police said the special education teacher also provided marijuana to the boy, adding, “Detectives believe there are other unidentified Matariko victims who have not yet come forward.”
Matariko was charged with five counts of lewd acts on a minor, two counts of lewd acts on a minor 14 or 15 years of age, and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor.
Matariko-san LinkedIn profile She says she is a special education teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
According to John Burrows Middle School WebsiteMatariko was listed as a “teacher”.
School Principal Dr. Steve Martinez said Thursday in a message shared with the school community. new york post The teacher was reportedly removed from campus after the school called police. The newspaper said Matariko's name was not mentioned in the letter.
“District protocols are being followed and we continue to work with local authorities. Due to the ongoing investigation by law enforcement, we are unable to disclose further details regarding this matter,” the principal wrote. The Post reported.
“We understand that some students may be affected by this incident. Students can always seek support from their teachers, counselors and school staff,” it added.
Matariko is being held on $1.3 million bail.
Police are asking other victims to contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Juvenile Bureau Abused Child Unit at 424-259-7097. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or submit a tip online. www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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