Teacher Charged in Molestation of 6 Pupils

A Marina High School music teacher has been charged with sexually molesting six female students during private singing lessons at the school, authorities said Wednesday.

Victor Rodriguez, 49, is accused of assaulting the girls, ages 14 to 17, by touching their breasts while pretending to show them the locations of their diaphragms, officials said. School officials had formally warned Rodriguez two years ago against using the so-called diaphragm technique to teach singing.

If convicted, Rodriguez -- who is free on $50,000 bail -- could face up to three years and eight months in prison. His arraignment was continued to July 15.