Special Education Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault of 13-year-old student

A special education teacher in Los Angeles, Colleen Jo Matarico, 43, from Valley Village, has been taken into custody for reportedly having sexual relations with a 13-year-old student in her car and allegedly supplying minors with marijuana. The Los Angeles Police Department has pressed charges of child molestation and furnishing marijuana to a minor against her.

According to the police, Matarico is accused of grooming and sexually assaulting the 13-year-old victim within her classroom, eventually persuading the minor to engage in sexual intercourse in her vehicle. Authorities fear that there might be additional unidentified victims of Matarico who have not yet stepped forward.

The LAPD has made a public plea for any other potential victims of sexual assault involving Matarico to come forward. While the department has only identified Matarico as "a teacher" without specifying her workplace, records indicate she is associated with John Burroughs Middle School in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles.

Her LinkedIn profile confirms her role as a special education teacher within the Los Angeles Unified School District. The school authorities have been contacted for their input on the matter, but no response has been received as of yet.

Matarico is facing serious charges, including five counts of lewd acts with a minor, two counts of lewd acts with a minor aged 14 or 15, and one count of providing marijuana to a minor. She is currently in custody with a bail set at $1.3 million.

This distressing case has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students under the care of educators. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proper protocols within educational institutions to safeguard students from potential harm or exploitation.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case or any similar incidents to come forward and assist in the investigation. The focus remains on ensuring the protection of minors and upholding the integrity of the education system.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further developments in this troubling case, hoping for justice to prevail and for measures to be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.