A 50-year-old former third-grade teacher has been arrested on sexual abuse charges involving children under the age of 14. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the man has been charged with 16 criminal counts stemming from alleged lewd acts committed between September 2010 and April 2011. His credentials were pulled and he was put on unpaid leave after his arrest in October of 2011. His Feb. 15 court hearing could involve charges that could result in 15 years to life in prison. The incidents allegedly involved three girls and one boy, all under the age of 14.
There are many types of acts that may be considered “lewd” under the law. California Penal Code Section 288 defines a lewd act as “any person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act…upon or with the body, or any part or member thereof, of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child, is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or eight years.”
These types of serious allegations can have a devastating impact on the defendant’s social and professional life. It is crucial for anyone facing charges of lewd behavior to speak with an experienced sex crime defense attorney who will protect his or her reputation and fight the charges.
The reputed Los Angeles County sex crime defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan have a long and successful track record of fighting sex crime charges involving children. If you or a loved one is facing such serious charges, please contact us at (866) 430-8383 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.