Ex-Teacher Is Charged With 7 Molestations
A Ventura man was charged with 15 misdemeanor counts Friday for allegedly molesting seven female students while he was a fourth-grade teacher at Valerio Street Elementary School, authorities said.
Jorge Moran, 41, was charged in Los Angeles Municipal Court with seven counts of child molestation, seven counts of battery, and one count of sexual battery, said Deputy City Atty. Brian Williams. The abuse allegedly occurred during the 1995-96 school year, when he taught at the Van Nuys school.
The girls, ages 9 to 11, alleged during interviews with Los Angeles police investigators that Moran touched them on their buttocks or chest through their clothing, Williams said. They also alleged that Moran touched them on their hair and made sexual comments that disturbed them.
Child molestation is punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, or both. Battery and sexual battery carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail or a $2,000 fine, or both.
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