School counselor repeatedly sexually assaults teen, CA cops say. More victims sought
A former high school guidance counselor was arrested and charged after she was accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a student, California officials say.
Julie Elizabeth Tichon, 37, was charged with multiple felonies and accused of “having an unlawful sexual relationship” with a 16-year-old boy, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said in a Sept. 20 news release.
“Educators and school staff have a fundamental duty to create a safe environment for all students, and when that trust is broken, it affects the entire community,” District Attorney George Gascón said in the release.
While employed as a guidance counselor at the Yeshiva University High School of Los Angeles, Tichon is accused of sexually assaulting the student multiple times between February and March, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a Sept. 24 news release.
The Yeshiva University High School of Los Angeles did not immediately return McClatchy News’ request for comment.
Tichon was arrested Aug. 29 and no longer works for the school, police said.
She was charged with “three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger; and one felony count of oral copulation of a person under 18,” prosecutors said.
She pleaded not guilty at her Sept. 19 arraignment and was released on her own recognizance, prosecutors said.
McClatchy News could not reach Tichon for comment.
Tichon, who is expected to appear in court again on Nov. 1, could face a maximum five-year prison sentence if convicted as charged, police said.
Though Tichon was charged with the assault of one student and is no longer employed at the school, police said they believe there may be additional student victims.
“(Tichon) used her position of responsibility to gain these victims’ trust, then began inappropriate sexual relationships with them,” Detective Russ Hess said in the release. “Rather than advising them, she was abusing them.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 213-473-0561.
This story was originally published September 25, 2024 at 9:17 AM with the headline "School counselor repeatedly sexually assaults teen, CA cops say. More victims sought."
