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A now-former California high school guidance counselor was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old student, authorities said.
Julie Tichon was a 37-year-old guidance counselor at YULA High School, a modern Orthodox Jewish school, in Los Angeles, according to a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department. Police allege she repeatedly “engaged in sexual acts” with a 16-year-old boy between February and March.
Authorities said she no longer works at the school.
“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,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a press release from his office.
“Our office is dedicated to seeking justice for the victim and holding this individual fully accountable. To every victim and family affected by such crimes, please know that we stand with you and will continue to fight for your safety and justice.”
Tichon was arraigned on 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, according to the DA’s press release.
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Prosecutors said she was arraigned on Sept. 19 and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. They added that she was released by the court on her own recognizance and is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 1. PEOPLE couldn’t immediately identify an attorney who could speak on her behalf.
Meanwhile, investigators believe there are more potential victims and are asking anyone to come forward.
“The suspect used her position of responsibility to gain these victims’ trust, then began inappropriate sexual relationships with them,” LAPD Detective Russ Hess alleged.
Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Operations West Bureau Detective Brent Hopkins at 213-473-0447.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
