Woman Accused of Affair With Boy : Teacher Pleads Not Guilty to Sex Counts

A former Simi Valley English teacher pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Ventura Municipal Court to charges that she had sexual relations with a 16-year-old male student.

The teacher, Carol Dougherty, resigned her position at Royal High School on Dec. 20 after learning from school officials of a complaint brought against her that day by the mother of the student, according to Harold Lipman, associate superintendent of the Simi Valley School District.

Charges were filed against Dougherty, 43, on Tuesday after school officials told police of the mother’s accusation that her son was having a relationship with a teacher, Ventura County Deputy Dist. Atty. Chuck Campbell said. Dougherty was charged with eight counts of oral copulation with a minor. The alleged incidents occurred in November and December.

Surrendered at Courthouse

Dougherty, who was arrested after surrendering at the courthouse, was released on her own recognizance after promising to avoid further contact with the student, Campbell said. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Jan. 22.

Dougherty is the estranged wife of Ventura County Supervisor James Dougherty, who on Tuesday was selected by his colleagues as chairman of the Board of Supervisors for 1986.

James Dougherty issued a brief statement that “although Carol and I had already separated before I knew of this situation . . . once this matter has been resolved, I will do whatever I can to help her build a new life.”

Carol Dougherty, who lives in Simi Valley, declined to comment on the charges. Officials withheld the name of the student.

Campbell said there was no evidence that the alleged acts had taken place on school grounds or that coercion had been used.

If convicted on all charges, Dougherty could be sentenced to six years in prison, Campbell said. It is uncommon for a female teacher to be prosecuted for such a crime, he said.

Dougherty had been with the school district for 18 years. She had taught at Royal High since it opened in the late 1960s, Lipman said.