A former fourth-grade teacher from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) was arraigned Thursday on child sexual abuse charges. Police say he molested 20 children.
The suspect, Robert Pimentel, 57, worked for the LAUSD since 1974, and the alleged abuse took place from Sept. 2011 to March 2012, reports KPCC. He was removed from his position by the district in March of last year after several girls told their parents he touched them inappropriately during school. Credentialing officials were also informed, but Pimentel retired before he could be formally dismissed.
The school principal was also removed because district officials were not satisfied with how Pimentel’s alleged activities were handled. Prior to the allegations made in March, no disciplinary actions had been taken against the teacher.
Pimentel’s attorney indicated his client will plead not guilty to the charges against him. Right now, the former teacher is being held on $2 million bail.
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