CAMARILLO : Church Teacher Accused of Molesting Girl, 13

A 48-year-old teacher at a Camarillo church has been arrested on suspicion of molesting a 13-year-old student, authorities said Saturday.

Robert C. Rose, the director of the youth religion education program at St. Mary Magdalen Church, was arrested at his office Friday after Ventura County sheriff’s detectives investigated the complaint of the girl, who was a student in a class taught by Rose.

Rose, who was released from Ventura County Jail on $20,000 bail, said Saturday that he had no comment on the charges.

But Rose’s attorney said the longtime Camarillo resident planned to plead not guilty to the charge of child molestation.

“My client will have his name dragged through the dirt, all because of a nameless, faceless accusation,” said Oxnard attorney David Callahan. “I expect it will be alleged that something happened when there was no one around. Now we have to disprove it.”

Callahan said Rose has no criminal record.

Rose began teaching at the church after his children took religious classes there, Callahan said. He has two children and four stepchildren, Callahan said.

Church officials were not available for comment.

Authorities said Rose would be arraigned Oct. 8.