A former student has told Bakersfield Police she was sexually assaulted by a teacher when she attended the Catholic high school in 1976-77, according to a statement by the police department late Tuesday afternoon.
The girl told police she was 16 when she was assaulted in an off-campus location, according to the police statement.
“The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for anyone who may have been a victim, knows of other victims or has any information regarding this case to call the Bakersfield Police Department at 327-7111 or Detective Rex Davenport at 326-3559,” the statement said.
A police spokesman, and a spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Fresno, declined to name the teacher. The police spokesman wouldn’t say why the woman took so long to make the allegation.
“In accordance with applicable protocol, an internal investigation has been opened,” said Richard E. Sexton, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the diocese. “The matter was referred to the Bakersfield Police Department and the employee has been placed on administrative leave off campus pending the investigation.”
“We are unable to provide further details or other information at this time, as the matter is under investigation and to protect the good name of all parties, Sexton said.
