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Sep 23, 2024
West LA guidance counselor Julie Tichon has been charged with three felony sex crimes counts and accused of having an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old male student. As yet another case of Los Angeles educator misconduct has come to light, the disturbing incident serves as an important reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing sexual abuse in our community’s schools.
Julie Tichon, a 37-year-old guidance counselor, has been charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with the following felonies:
These serious charges stem from alleged unlawful sexual acts that took place between February and March of this year.
The DA’s office alleges that Tichon engaged in sexual acts with the 16-year-old boy “multiple times.”
While the District Attorney’s Office did not identify the school involved, the Los Angeles Times found that an archived webpage from February listed Tichon as a guidance staff member at the boys’ division of YULA High School, an Orthodox Jewish school in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles. However, it should be noted that her name no longer appears in the current online staff directory.
On May 28, Rabbi Arye Sufrin, the Head of School at YULA, sent an email to parents informing them of reports regarding a female staff member having “an inappropriate relationship of a sexual nature” with two male students. The school promptly shared this information with the Los Angeles Police Department and ensured that the staff member was no longer on campus.
Rabbi Sufrin further expressed the gravity of the situation, writing:
“It is impossible to comprehend and beyond devastating
that students would be facing this situation.”
Tichon was arraigned on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 1.
If convicted as charged, she faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “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.”
Gascón further expressed his office’s commitment to addressing such cases, saying, “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.”
The breach of trust in this case has far-reaching consequences, not only for the victim and their family, but also for the entire school community. School sexual abuse undermines the sense of safety and security that students should feel in their educational environment and can have long-lasting psychological effects on those involved.
The case is being handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Sex Crimes Division and is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. Authorities believe there could be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Brent Hopkins of the LAPD is leading the investigation and can be contacted at (213) 473-0447. The involvement of both the DA’s Sex Crimes Division and the LAPD underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance in our educational institutions. Schools must have effective policies and procedures in place to prevent and quickly address any form of misconduct. This includes:
As this case progresses through the legal system, it will undoubtedly prompt discussions about how to better protect students and maintain the integrity of our educational institutions. The outcome of this case may also influence future policies and procedures aimed at preventing similar incidents.
Survivors of YULA High School sexual abuse may seek justice through civil lawsuits seeking damages for various losses:
If you or someone you care about has been victimized by school sexual abuse, getting justice is possible. To speak with a California school sexual abuse lawyer from Dordulian Law Group, contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM to arrange for a free and confidential consultation.
D Law Group’s SAJE Team (Sexual Abuse Justice Experts) offers survivors of school sexual abuse a support network with four specialized departments available 24/7 and throughout every step of the legal process:
D Law Group’s dedicated West LA school sexual abuse lawyers have over a century of combined experience helping victims secure justice through maximum financial compensation. Led by Sam Dordulian, a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County, D Law Group’s elite school and teacher sexual abuse attorneys have secured multimillion-dollar settlements on behalf of countless survivors. With more than $200,000,000.00 in settlements and verdicts obtained on behalf of clients while maintaining a 98% winning record, D Law Group offers peace of mind to victims and their families searching for the best West LA sexual abuse lawyers.
To take the first step towards getting the justice you deserve for your California school sexual abuse case, contact D Law Group at 866-GO-SEE-SAM.
There is never any upfront fee or expense for our expert legal representation – you pay nothing until after we successfully secure a financial damages award for your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay – it’s that simple.
Schools can implement comprehensive background checks, provide regular training on professional boundaries, establish clear reporting procedures, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
Students who experience such abuse may suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, trust issues, and academic difficulties. Long-term therapy and support are often necessary to help victims heal and recover.
Yes, there are numerous resources available, including counseling services, victim advocacy groups, and legal support. Schools and local law enforcement can provide information on accessing these resources.
While exact statistics vary, educator sexual misconduct is more common than many people realize. In Los Angeles County alone, It's important for schools, parents, and communities to remain vigilant and proactive in prevention efforts.
If you experienced a sexual assault incident, don’t wait to file a claim. Contact our expert attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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