Teacher Held for Alleged Sex With Teen
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A teacher at a Catholic school in Ventura was arrested Thursday on suspicion of having sex with a 17-year-old student, Ventura police officials said.
John E. Statham, 55, was taken into custody just after 7 a.m. outside his Camarillo home, officials said. He was booked into Ventura County Jail on a single count of committing a lewd act with a minor, authorities said.
Ventura Police Sgt. Sean Conroy said the former student told police that she had sexual relations with Statham when she was a senior at St. Bonaventure High School, and Statham was her track coach.
The alleged act occurred “a few years ago,” he said.
Police believe there may be other victims. Statham, an English teacher, has taught at the school since 1994, Conroy said.
Statham’s arraignment is set for Monday. He remained in custody in lieu of $500,000 bail.
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