Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has leveled serious accusations against middle school teacher Colleen Jo Matarico, charged with multiple felony counts for alleged sexual abuse of a male student, reportedly occurring between 2023 and 2024. In the public statement released by the
District Attorney’s Office
, Gascón describes the allegations as “deeply disturbing,” and enforces the perceived betrayal of trust given by the students, their families, and the community.
Per the official report, Matarico faces charges that include five felony counts of lewd act upon a child under age 14, two felony counts of lewd act upon a child age 14 or 15, and one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor, as reported by the
District Attorney’s Office
. It’s alleged the victim was particularly vulnerable, and that Matarico misused her position of trust as an educator to commit these offenses. Furthermore, an alleged lack of remorse on the part of Matarico has been noted. Matarico’s arraignment is set for November 12 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, with bail set at $590,000.
The case, prosecuted by the LADA’s Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, Juvenile Division, touches on themes of power and the profound responsibility educators have in nurturing the youth entrusted to their care. DA Gascón acknowledged the young victim’s courage in coming forward to report the abuse and expressed that investigators are actively seeking to identify any additional victims.
Matarico allegedly also provided cannabis to the minor, a detail that contributes to the complexity of the charges presented. If convicted, the former teacher could face up to 20 years and four months in state prison, as per the
District Attorney’s Office
. The District Attorney’s Office is urging others with information or who may have been victimized to come forward and offer testimony. Contact details for Detective Hess and the LA Regional Crime Stoppers were released in hopes of gathering more information that could aid in the case.
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