Testimony Begins in Trial of Newland School Teacher

Testimony has begun in Santa Ana in the trial of Jeffrey Atkinson, accused of molesting several students, with the prosecution calling several of the former Newland Elementary School teacher’s students and their parents to the stand.

In October 1998, the Fountain Valley School District suspended the 23-year teaching veteran without pay after he was charged with one misdemeanor and eight felony counts of child molestation.

Atkinson’s supporters have maintained that the charges are bogus and that investigators have demonized the expressions of a caring, affectionate teacher.

“It’s a sad commentary when a pat on the back becomes a sexual molestation case,” family friend Shirley Bailey said after his suspension last year.

Other friends of Atkinson have characterized him as “focused” and “nurturing.”

After presenting opening statements, the prosecution began calling in the nine fourth-grade girls they allege were molested by Atkinson.

The defense did not make an opening statement nor has it cross-examined witnesses so far.

Jury selection lasted two days in the case, presided over by Superior Court Judge Dennis S. Choate.

Dist. Atty. Lori Hungerford said jury selection in such cases is often difficult due to the strong emotional reaction that the charges provoke.

The testimony by prosecution witnesses is expected to continue today with the defense beginning its case possibly beginning later in the week.

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Andrew Wainer can be reached at (714) 965-7172, Ext. 15.