A former California high school guidance counselor has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old student, according to authorities.
Julie Tichon, aged 37, served as a guidance counselor at YULA High School, a modern Orthodox Jewish institution located in Los Angeles, as stated in a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department. Authorities claim she repeatedly participated in sexual activities with a 16-year-old boy during the months of February and March.
Officials announced that she is no longer employed at the school.
“Educators and school staff have a fundamental duty to create a safe environment for all students, and when that trust is broken, it affects the entire community,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a press release from his office.
LAPD News: Detectives Seek Additional Sexual Assault Victims pic.twitter.com/OpuTB1rBNq
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) September 24, 2024
“Our office is dedicated to seeking justice for the victim and holding this individual fully accountable. To every victim and family affected by such crimes, please know that we stand with you and will continue to fight for your safety and justice.”
Tichon faced charges of three felony counts related to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor over three years younger, along with one felony count of oral copulation involving a person under 18, as stated in the DA’s press release.
On September 19, prosecutors reported that she was arraigned and entered a not guilty plea to all charges. It was noted that she was released by the court on her own recognizance and is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 1. Individuals were unable to quickly find a lawyer to represent her.
Investigators suspect there may be additional victims and urge anyone with information to step forward.
“The suspect used her position of responsibility to gain these victims’ trust, then began inappropriate sexual relationships with them,” LAPD Detective Russ Hess alleged.
If you have any information, please reach out to LAPD Operations West Bureau Detective Brent Hopkins at 213-473-0447.