Teacher Arrested on Molestation Charges

A Van Nuys High School teacher has been arrested for allegedly molesting two of his female students, City Atty. Jim Hahn said Tuesday.

Kevin Henry, 41, who taught film production at the school, was arrested Friday and is being charged with three counts of sexual molestation and one count of sexual battery, said Deputy City Atty. Deborah Sanchez, who is handling the case.

Henry, who lives in Santa Monica, was released Tuesday on his own recognizance and ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from any school or students, according to Mike Qualls, a spokesman for the city attorney’s office.

Henry allegedly fondled two girls last year, the city attorney said.

A 14-year-old student told officers that Henry rubbed up against her and touched her breast Nov. 16 as she was changing letters on the school’s sign, Sanchez said. According to the deputy city attorney, a 15-year-old girl said Henry fondled her breasts on several occasions at the campus in September and October.

Henry faces a possible year in jail if he is convicted on the three counts of molestation and six months on the count of sexual battery. He also could be fined $1,000.