Los Angeles: On October 14, 2004, at about 2:45 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department detectives arrested 35 year-old Michael William McMurray, a fourth-grade teacher, at Plainview Elementary School, located at 10819 Plainview Avenue in Tujunga. McMurray was taken to Van Nuys Station where he was booked for lewd acts with a child.

The investigation began when the school principal received complaints that McMurray was touching students in an inappropriate manner. The principal notified police, who responded to the school, conducted a preliminary investigation, and took McMurray into custody.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit is conducting this investigation. Detectives are interviewing current and former students. Additional victims, from as far back as two years ago, have been identified.

McMurray, who has taught at Plainview Elementary for the past six years, is free on bail. The case is being reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office. McMurray is scheduled to appear in court on November 12, 2004.

A photograph of Michael McMurray can be E-mailed upon request to Media Relations Section personnel.

Anyone having any information regarding McMurray is encouraged to contact the Sexually Exploited Child Unit, at (213) 485-2883. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.