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	Possible Sexual Abuse at School Investigated By Kristina Davis Union-Tribune January 5, 2007 http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20070105-9999-1mc5teacher.html Vista – The Sheriff's Department is investigating possible sexual misconduct between a teacher and a 16-year-old female student at Tri-City Christian Schools, and also if school officials failed to notify law enforcement as required by law, an investigator said yesterday. Details of the possible abuse are unclear, although it reportedly took place within the past few months, said Detective Sgt. Art Wager. "The allegations are sexual in nature, but we have not uncovered any allegations of direct sexual contact yet," Wager said. "It is still being investigated." The high school teacher is no longer employed at the school, Wager said. School officials would not comment yesterday about whether the teacher was fired or left on his own. The San Diego Union-Tribune is not identifying the teacher, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, because he has not been charged with a crime. The private school of about 1,100 students is affiliated with Tri-City Church in Vista. The investigation began after a Union-Tribune reporter contacted sheriff's deputies while following up on a tip. Before then, authorities said they had not received any reports of inappropriate conduct by the teacher. Detectives questioned school and church officials yesterday morning. "We are very fully cooperating," said Jim Harper, pastor of Tri-City Church. He declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation. Detectives will also determine whether school officials intentionally failed to report the alleged misconduct, which would be a misdemeanor. Under state law, school officials are required to immediately notify law enforcement whenever there is reasonable suspicion or knowledge of child abuse. Kristina Davis: (760) 476-8233; kristina.davis@uniontrib.com
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