A Los Angeles middle school teacher is accused of forcing a 13-year-old student into a sexual relationship over a year, with prosecutors saying she left her husband to “love” her child.
Colleen Jo Matarico, 43, was arrested and booked into Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood, California on November 7th. record show.
Matariko, a teacher at John Burrows Junior High School, met the alleged victim when he was just 12 years old and began having sex with him when he turned 13.
“She first met him when she was 12 years old,” said Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson. said He appeared in court on Tuesday, according to CBS News. “And the inappropriate relationship began when she was 13 years old, when she was still a teacher. She believed the investigation was over, but the relationship was not.”
“In the messages between her and the minor, she shows that she loves him, that he is the only one who will go to jail, and that he is her stimulant. ” continued Anson.
Prosecutors also argued that Matariko's family, including her ex-husband, begged her unsuccessfully to stop abusing the boy.
Anson said the girl even told one of Matariko's relatives that “she is very jealous and he is worried and scared.”
According to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, officethe disgraced teacher also provided cannabis to a “particularly vulnerable” victim.
“…Matariko took advantage of his position of trust and confidence as a teacher to commit the crime,” his office said. “It is also said that Matariko lacked remorse during the crime.''
Gascón himself called the accusations “very disturbing.”
The grooming allegations were reported to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) by school officials and principal Dr. Steve Martinez. confirm to daily mail It said it was notified of the allegations in October 2023 and contacted authorities “immediately.”
“I want to recognize the young victim's courage and his decision to report the abuse,” Gascón said, insinuating that he was the one the victim reported to the school. We are working to identify the victims.”
“The authorities seek justice for the victims and those affected by Matariko's actions,” it added.
According to the report, Matariko was charged with “five counts of felony lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, two counts of felony lewd acts on a child under the age of 14 or 15, and one count of felony furnishing a controlled substance to a minor.” He pleaded not guilty. of daily mail.
Her attorney argued for her release, but Judge Susan J. de Witt rejected the request and set bail at $590,000.
Her next court date is scheduled for November 26th.
Police are looking for more potential victims.
