Guidance Counselor Charged After Having Sexual Relationship With Student: DA

Crime & Safety

Guidance Counselor Charged After Having Sexual Relationship With Student: DA The guidance counselor is facing felony charges after having a sexual relationship with a student. Police believe there may be more victims.

LOS ANGELES, CA — A West Los Angeles high school guidance counselor is facing charges after having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old male student earlier this year — and authorities believe their may be additional victims, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said Friday.

Julie Elizabeth Tichon, 37, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years her junior and one felony count of oral copulation of a person under 18, according to prosecutors.

Authorities are asking other people who may have been victimized by Tichon to come forward, prosecutors said.

"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 a statement.

Tichon is accused of engaging in sexual acts with the boy multiple times during February and March. She no longer works at the school, according to the DA's office.

After her arraignment, Tichon was released by the court on her own recognizance. She's due back in court Nov. 1.

If convicted as charged, Tichon faces up to five years in state prison, according to prosecutors.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact LAPD Detective Brent Hopkins at 213-473-0447.

"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, Gascón said.