A 43-year-old teacher in Los Angeles has been taken into custody and faces charges related to the purported sexual assault of a 13-year-old student from her class. Investigators suspect there could be more victims, as announced by authorities on Thursday.
A Valley Village resident, Colleen Jo Matarico, was taken into custody on November 7 following the allegations, as stated in a release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
“Matarico, a teacher, groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old victim in her classroom, and later convinced the victim to have sexual intercourse in her vehicle,” investigators said.
Authorities have not disclosed the location of Matarico’s teaching position, but following the case filing, the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office has charged her with five counts of lewd acts involving a minor, two counts of lewd acts with a minor aged 14 or 15, and one count of providing marijuana to a minor.
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“Detectives believe there are additional, unidentified victims of Matarico who have yet to come forward,” the release noted. “A photograph of Matarico is being released to identify and speak with any additional victims.”
A 43-year-old educator remains in custody with bail set at $1.3 million.
Individuals who possess further details are encouraged to reach out to the LAPD’s Juvenile Division Abused Child Section at 424-259-7097 to speak with detectives.