A Los Angeles County special education teacher is facing charges for allegedly sexually abusing an underage male student. Colleen Jo Matarico, 43, pleaded not guilty to eight felony counts, including lewd acts on a child and furnishing marijuana to a minor. Prosecutors claim that Matarico initiated an inappropriate relationship with the boy when he was just 13 years old, continuing contact even after an investigation was underway. If convicted, she could face over 20 years behind bars. The judge, recognizing the severity of these heinous accusations, set her bond at $590,000 and required GPS monitoring upon release. This case illustrates the importance of school districts using reasonable care in the hiring, training and supervision of staff.
This type of predatory behavior is inexcusable—especially when the victims have disabilities. If someone you know has been a victim of abuse, contact education law and civil rights attorney Tom Blessing at the law office of Massillamany Jeter & Carson, at 317-576-8580 for a free consultation.
Read the article here: Calif: L.A. County Special Ed Middle School Teacher Charged For Sexual Abuse Of Underage Student – One America News Network