Ex-Gompers Teacher Admits to Molestations
A former veteran teacher at Gompers Secondary School pleaded guilty Friday to two counts of misdemeanor child molestation in a plea-bargain agreement that almost guarantees he will not serve time in jail.
Sidney J. Loveless Jr., 54, admitted to Municipal Judge Gale Kaneshiro that he molested two girls younger than 18 between Sept. 5, 1989, and April 1, 1990.
Under the plea bargain, 10 felony counts of child molestation against Loveless were dismissed. Loveless said in court that he made his plea in order to avoid the possibility of a long jail sentence if he was convicted of the felony charges.
Loveless, could get up to two years in County Jail, will be sentenced Oct. 12, but Deputy Dist. Atty. Harry Elias said in court that he will recommend community service. Loveless, however, will be required to register as a sex offender.
Administrators at Gompers, an award-winning magnet school, came under fire earlier this year for their handling of allegations of child abuse.
Police officials have said they uncovered as many as 30 victims in their investigation.
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