A 43-year-old teacher has been arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse in Valley Village.
Colleen Jo Matarico was arrested Thursday on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor and is being held on $1.3 million bail, Los Angeles police said.
Matariko allegedly groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old child in a classroom, then persuaded her to perform a sex act in his car.
Police said the investigation was forwarded to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, and Matariko was charged with five counts of lewd acts against a minor, two counts involving a minor between the ages of 14 and 15, and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor. Additional charges may be filed.
Detectives suspect there are more victims and released Matariko’s photo in hopes that more victims will come forward.
Anyone with information regarding the alleged assault of a potential victim who wishes to come forward is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division at 424-259-7097. For after-hours calls, please call 877-527-3247. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
