There are new developments in the allegations against a long-time Garces Memorial High School teacher accused by a former student of sexually assaulting her more than 30 years ago.
The Diocese of Fresno says it e-mailed parents of current Garces students and school faculty, telling them about the investigation.
The teacher's name has not been released, and the woman who made the allegations has not been identified either.
The letter was e-mailed Friday. "A long-time teacher at Garces has been accused of an unlawful act with a student many years ago," wrote Richard E. Sexton, Superintendent of Catholic Schools. "As we conduct our investigation, we ask you to inform the Diocese if your child knows of or has experienced any improper behavior," he continued.
"We want to know if we have any witnesses to the original accusation, and we want to know if there are any additional acts that we don't know about," explained Sexton.
Bakersfield Police say a former Garces student came forward last week, claiming in 1976 when she was 16, she was assaulted by one of her teachers at an off campus location.
The Diocese of Fresno is not aware of any other allegations.
Signs of possible sexual misconduct may have been swirling for several years. An internet video posted four years ago, believed to be of the teacher, generated a random comment a year ago.
"I wonder if he's still 'taking advantage' of his pretty female students. That lid is about to blow off. I hope more victims have the courage to come forward. It was not your fault! He knew better," the person wrote.
Bakersfield police say the woman came forward last week, because the alleged assault was stressing her and she feared for other students knowing the alleged offender was still teaching.
The e-mail sent out by the Diocese of Fresno did not go to alumni of Garces.
"The alumni lists are always in pretty poor shape. We just have no intent in doing it at this time," said Sexton.
Police will not recommend criminal charges against the teacher for the alleged assault in 1976 because of the statute of limitations. The teacher is still employed by Garces, but is on administrative leave.
