ORANGE : 4 Teachers Accused in Car, Tool Thefts

The Police Department has requested that the district attorney file criminal charges against four teachers with the Orange Unified School District for allegedly stealing shop tools and donated cars.

The request, stemming from an investigation that began almost a year ago, involves three auto-shop teachers who allegedly failed to properly notify school authorities about vehicles donated to the district. Investigators are also checking into what became of the donated cars. A fourth teacher in special education has been accused of taking welding equipment, officials say.

Officials contacted would not provide details about the investigation.

“Once the case is filed, and it goes to the grand jury, which I hope it does, then we can release more details,” said Detective Barry Weinstein of the Orange Police Department.

However, David Reger, president of the teachers’ union, denounced the charges, claiming that the four instructors are being “railroaded.” Reger, who is confident the four will be vindicated, said they did not violate any laws.

“With all the problems in our district right now, for them to single out hard-working shop teachers who are trying their best to help out their students seems to me absurd,” Reger said. “I think it’s a travesty.”

The news represents another bruise for a district already seeking to fire one top administrator and demote two others in connection with a sexual harassment investigation. One of the administrators accused of sexual harassment, Deputy Supt. Richard Donoghue, told police about the alleged employee auto thefts nearly a year ago.