Teacher Arrested for Lewd Acts, Possibly More Victims

Los Angeles: Los Angeles detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying any additional victims of a Los Angeles middle school teacher, who is suspected of engaging in unlawful sexual acts with under-age girls.

Antonio Gomez, 35, lives in Downey and teaches at the Stevenson Middle School in East Los Angeles.  In February, detectives began investigating Gomez for acts related to current and former students. So far, five girls have come forward, two of them sisters.  The victims range in age from 13 to 16 years old.

Detectives assigned to Robbery Homicide Division served a search warrant at Stevenson Middle School and Gomez's home on March 6, 2007. Detectives arrested Gomez and charged him with Lewd Acts with a Child under 14.  He posted $100,000 bail the same day.

Detectives believe Gomez may have been involved in other illegal acts with minors.  Detectives noticed items at Gomez's home that suggested he could be involved in coaching local youth sports.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Kathie McCarthy, Robbery Homicide Division, at 213-485-2921.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Comments

[Ms. H]

I am not surprised by Mr. Gomez's behavior. His brother Mauricio Gomez used to live by Pioneer High School as a young man, early 20's. When his pregnant girlfriend would be at work, he would meet high school girls and try to get them over to his house. On many occassions he did manage to seduce the girls and perform sexual acts with them, according to neighbors.