A former California high school guidance counselor has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage student, and police believe there may be other victims.
The Los Angeles Police Department said Julie Tichon, 37, committed a “series of sexual assaults” against a 16-year-old male in February and March. News Release.
“Educators and school staff have a fundamental obligation to create a safe environment for all students, and when that trust is destroyed, it impacts the entire community.”
Prior to the allegations, Tikhon served as a guidance counselor at YULA High School, the largest and oldest Modern Orthodox yeshiva high school in Los Angeles.
Tishon was charged with three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and one count of oral sex with a person under the age of 18. If convicted as charged, Tishon could face up to five years in prison. She is accused of assaulting one victim, but police have said there may be other victims and that there is a “possibility of overlapping criminal cases.”
On May 28, YULA Principal Reverend Ally Sufrin reportedly sent an email to parents informing them that he had received a report that a female staff member was having an “inappropriate relationship of a sexual nature” with two male students. Forwardsaid in a statement it had obtained the emails. The school notified the Los Angeles Police Department about allegations of child sexual abuse.
“The suspect used his position of responsibility to gain the victim's trust and enter into an inappropriate sexual relationship with her,” Detective Russ Jess said in a Los Angeles Police Department press release. “Rather than counseling the victim, he abused her.”
School officials KTTV Television “Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students. Out of respect and consideration for the privacy of our school community, we will not be discussing specifics regarding recent news reports.”
School officials said they are cooperating fully with the police investigation.
Officials said Tishon worked at YULA High School for four years but is no longer employed there.
“Educators and school staff have a fundamental obligation to create a safe environment for all students, and when that trust is eroded, it impacts the entire community,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said. statement“Our office is committed to seeking justice for the victims and holding this individual fully accountable.”
Gascón continued, “To all the victims and families affected by crimes like this, please know that we stand with you and will continue to fight for your safety and justice.”
Tikhon pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on Thursday. The Los Angeles Superior Court granted her bail. She is scheduled to appear again in court on Nov. 1.
Anyone with information regarding this child sex crimes case is asked to contact Detective Hess at 213-473-0561 or the Los Angeles Police Department at 877-LAPD-247. To make an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or Copyright holder.
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