Los Angeles: On October 19, 2000, a seventh grade student told school authorities at St. Lawrence Catholic School in South Los Angeles, that his teacher, 42-year old Armando Francisco Garcia had routinely molested students in the classroom during the previous school year, after other students were dismissed from class.

During the year-long investigation, detectives assigned to LAPD’s Juvenile Division, Sexually Exploited Child Unit (SECU), located six additional victims who were Garcia’s former students. Additional evidence was seized when detectives executed a search warrant at Garcia’s Harbor City residence. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office subsequently filed 19 felony counts against Garcia and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On October 2, 2001, SECU detectives arrested Garcia at his residence on the warrant charging him with violating Penal Code Section 288(A) PC, Lewd Acts with a Child Under 14 years of Age. Garcia posted bail after his arrest and was released from custody.

The criminal investigation disclosed that Garcia targeted only his male students who asked him for help with their schoolwork. Garcia also went to the homes of several students where he committed additional sex acts.

On Thursday, May 23, 2002, Garcia appeared before Judge David Horowitz at a preliminary hearing. Garcia pled guilty to six counts of 288(A) and one count of 288(C)(1), Oral Copulation with a Victim Under 14 years of Age. Garcia remained free on bail and was ordered to appear on June 10, 2002 for sentencing.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.