Former Teacher’s Sentencing Put Off
A former religion teacher at a private Ojai preparatory school was ordered Thursday to undergo a psychological evaluation for having unlawful sex with a student.
James Eric Woodstock Jr., 31, pleaded guilty last month to three counts of unlawful sex with a minor and an added allegation of great bodily injury by getting the teenage girl pregnant.
He faces up to seven years in state prison.
Woodstock was to be sentenced Thursday, but the decision was postponed. The former teacher will first be sent to a diagnostic facility for a 90-day psychological evaluation.
Municipal Judge Bruce Clark ordered the evaluation after a court hearing Thursday.
During the hearing, the 17-year-old victim’s father spoke about the effect Woodstock’s crime has had on his daughter and family.
Authorities have said the girl had a consensual sexual relationship with her teacher last November.
But, according to the law, having sex with someone younger than 18 is a crime.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
