OXNARD : Counselor Pleads Innocent in Battery

A former Oxnard high school counselor who is accused of spanking female students had his attorney enter a not guilty plea for him Monday to four counts of battery in Ventura County Municipal Court.

Defense attorney Stephen L. Mitnick entered the plea on behalf of Robert Bradley, 36, of Camarillo, a former counselor at Santa Clara High School in Oxnard, who did not appear at his own arraignment.

Bradley was fired in January from the private Catholic school because of allegations that he had spanked students and shown “inappropriate physical affection,” according to Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael K. Frawley. Frawley would not elaborate.

Bradley had worked at the school for 13 years as a counselor, teacher and coach for the girls’ sports teams.

Bradley could not be reached for comment at his home Monday, and a woman who identified herself as his wife said, “We have no comment.”

Several months ago, school administrators sent letters to the parents of each of the more than 300 girls who attend Santa Clara High. The letter said if Bradley “engaged in any acts of physical discipline, including spanking or inappropriate displays of physical affection with you or someone you know about, it is important that you contact the District Attorney’s Office immediately.”

Each count of misdemeanor battery carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $2,000 fine. Bradley’s jury trial in Municipal Court is set for May 15.