Teacher Faces Additional Charges

Prosecutors Tuesday filed four more sexual molestation charges against Jeffrey Raker, who now stands accused of sexually abusing seven children while he was a teacher and coach at Hazeltine Avenue School.

Raker, 47, pleaded not guilty to the original three counts of molestation, along with a charge of sexual assault and two charges of oral copulation, at his arraignment last week. The new charges were filed after two more boys told police that they were abused by Raker.

Authorities contend that Raker abused at least seven boys during his three years at the Van Nuys school. Investigators say they are trying to locate other victims.

Raker’s students at Hazeltine said they were horrified at his arrest, as were many parents and colleagues, who called him an energetic and responsible teacher.