Whittier middle school teacher accused of lewd acts with 14-year-old student
WHITTIER -- Police arrested an East Whittier Middle School physical education teacher Wednesday morning on suspicion of carrying on an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student, authorities said.
Jesse Anthony Serrato, a 29-year-old Whittier man who also worked as a part-time coach at La Serna High School, was booked on suspicion of committing lewd acts on a child, Whittier police spokesman Officer Mike Dekowski said.
The arrest stems from an alleged ongoing relationship with the 14-year-old girl.
"We think that it did go on over some time -- a period of months," Dekowski said.
East Whittier City School District Superintendent Joe Gillentine said district officials placed Serrato on leave and called the police Tuesday after learning of possible wrongdoing.
"We called the police, because that's our first priority -- children's safety," Gillentine said. "Whenever we think something is wrong, we refer it to the police department. We're not going to take chances with our children."
About a dozen counselors were on-campus at East Whittier Middle School Wednesday for any students or staff members who may need them, district officials said. Parents were being notified of the situation via letters home, as well as a recorded telephone message.
Serrato was placed on administrative leave from the EWCSD as the investigation continues, officials said.
According to sheriff's booking records, Serrato was being held in lieu of $200,000 bail at the Whittier Police Department's jail. Information on his initial court appearance was not available, however criminal defendants being held in custody are generally arraigned within two business days of arrest.
Police were unaware of any additional victims Wednesday, he added, but detectives urged anyone with information to come forward.
"If there's anybody else that has had inappropriate contact with him, we want to know about it," Dekowski said.
Whittier police detectives can be reached at 562-567-9270.
PHOTO of Jesse Serrato courtesy of the Whittier Police Department.
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
I don't understand why do the teacher like to do bad thing with the student. You are old enough and smart to think before you do bad thing. you embarrass the school and the school education. This bad teacher is very sick. That's why he has the gut to do without thinking. He even ruined the student's life and make the school with bad reputation. He makes the school look bad. Now parents don't trust the teachers at all. I don't feel safe when my kids are at school.
Where is the evidence? How can you believe her? I would at least like to see what he did with her because all it says was the two were in a relationship with each other.