Teacher Denies Molesting Girls
High school teacher George Melvin Fairchild pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that he sexually molested or harassed five female students.
Fairchild, 52, who teaches science and math at Sunny Hills High School, was ordered to appear in Municipal Court here on Sept. 23 for a hearing to determine whether he must stand trial.
The police investigation began in May, but the girls complained of incidents as far back as September, 1992.
Fairchild is charged with eight felony counts stemming from allegations by a 15-year-old that on eight occasions he touched her breasts after classes. He is also charged with two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery and five counts of child annoyance involving the other girls.
The names of the girls who made the complaints will be made available to Fairchild and his attorney, Tom Goethals, under an agreement reached between Goethals and Deputy Dist. Atty. Jo Escobar. Judge David T. McEachen, who allowed the defense access to the names, said they may not be made public.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
