Information on Molestation Probe Sought by Grand Jury
Pasadena’s police chief said he received a letter from the county grand jury Tuesday requesting information about the department’s investigation of child molestation charges against a high school track coach.
Last month, county Supervisor Mike Antonovich asked the grand jury to investigate allegations by constituents that the Pasadena Unified School District failed to properly report suspicions of child molestation.
After the April 27 arrest of high school track coach Clyde Turner on child molestation charges, some parents complained that the district ignored earlier warnings that Turner behaved improperly with students.
Pasadena Police Chief Barney Melekian said he received a letter Tuesday from the grand jury apparently seeking information about the case and the district. “I am not completely clear whether they want a recap or what,” he said. “I will speak to officials at the grand jury.”
Schools Supt. Vera Vignes has said that no one covered up any previous allegations, and when the students accused Turner of molestation, the police were called in immediately.
The coach has pleaded not guilty to three felony charges and one misdemeanor count that he molested two teenage male athletes.
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