Teacher Arrested and Charged with Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old Student
Arrest and Charges
Colleen Jo Matarico, a 43-year-old schoolteacher from Valley Village, has been arrested and charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old student in her class. According to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, Matarico was arrested on November 7.
Allegations
The allegations against Matarico are serious and disturbing. Investigators claim that she groomed and sexually assaulted the 13-year-old victim in her classroom, and later convinced the victim to have sexual intercourse in her vehicle.
Charges
Matarico has been charged with five counts of lewd acts with a minor, two counts of lewd acts with a minor 14 or 15 years old, and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed the case against Matarico after detectives completed their investigation.
Additional Victims
Detectives believe that there may be additional, unidentified victims of Matarico who have yet to come forward. A photograph of Matarico is being released to identify and speak with any additional victims.
Current Status
Matarico is currently in custody on $1.3 million bail.
How to Report Additional Information
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact LAPD’s Juvenile Division Abused Child Section at 424-259-7097 and speak with detectives. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or submit tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
Conclusion
The alleged actions of Colleen Jo Matarico are unacceptable and disturbing. It is essential that anyone with information about her alleged crimes comes forward to help investigators bring her to justice. The safety and well-being of children are of the utmost importance, and we must work together to prevent such heinous crimes from occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Colleen Jo Matarico?
A: Colleen Jo Matarico is a 43-year-old schoolteacher from Valley Village who has been arrested and charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old student.
Q: What are the charges against Matarico?
A: Matarico has been charged with five counts of lewd acts with a minor, two counts of lewd acts with a minor 14 or 15 years old, and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor.
Q: Are there additional victims?
A: Yes, detectives believe that there may be additional, unidentified victims of Matarico who have yet to come forward.
Q: How can I report additional information?
A: Anyone with additional information is urged to contact LAPD’s Juvenile Division Abused Child Section at 424-259-7097 and speak with detectives. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or submit tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
