Disturbing new details have emerged about a Los Angeles teacher who was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a young teen.
Colleen Jo Matarico, 43, an educator at John Burroughs Middle School, was taken into custody last week on suspicion of child molestation.
At the time, investigators believed she had ‘groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old victim in her classroom and later convinced the victim to have sexual intercourse in her vehicle.’
But prosecutors now say that Matarico had abused the boy for a over a year and left her husband due to her ‘love’ for the teen – describing him as ‘her crystal meth.’
At her court appearance on Tuesday, Matarico pleaded not guilty to five felony counts of lewd act upon a child under age 14, two felony counts of lewd act upon a child age 14 or 15, and one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor.
Her attorney argued that Matarico should be freed without bail, according to the LA Times.
But Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson told the court she had text messages indicating Matarico had no plans of stopping the relationship if she were released.
Anson alleged that the inappropriate relationship began when the child turned 13 and most of the abuse happened between August and November of 2023.
‘She first met him at 12 years old. And the inappropriate relationship started at 13 years old while she was still his teacher. After the investigation, (which) she believed was over, the relationship did not end,” Anson said, according to CBS News.
‘In the messages between her and that minor, she indicates that she is in love with him, that he is the only one that she would go to jail for and that he is her crystal meth.’
The prosecutor further alleged that the abuse worsened once Matarico discovered she was going to be arrested, noting that two of the charges are based on more recent conduct.
According to CBS News, Matarico’s ex-husband and other family members had pleaded for her to stop on multiple occasions, to no avail.
Anson also accused the educator of contacting one of the victim’s friends on Instagram to continue communicating with the boy.
At one point, the teen boy reportedly told one of Matarico’s family members that the teacher ‘can be very jealous and that he is concerned and scared,’ Anson told court.
According to the DA’s Office, the victim ‘was particularly vulnerable and Matarico took advantage of a position of trust and confidence as a teacher to commit the offenses.’
Officials also claimed that Matarico had a lack of remorse while committing the alleged crime.
Judge Susan J. De Witt on Tuesday declined to release the teacher.
When asked by the judge if Matarico would like to respond, she shook her head and declined.
Principal Dr. Steve Martinez of the John Burroughs Middle School stated last week they are cooperating with Los Angeles Police Department’s investigation and confirmed that the accused was arrested off campus.
‘The safety of our students and our school community remains our top priority. On November 7 we were notified that a Burroughs employee had been arrested off campus for alleged misconduct with a minor,’ Martinez said.
‘In late October of 2023, the school received concerns about this employee. Upon receiving these concerns, we immediately contacted the Los Angeles Police Department and removed the employee from campus.
Principal Dr. Steve Martinez of the John Burroughs Middle School stated that they are cooperating with LAPD’s investigation and confirmed that the accused was arrested off campus
‘Once cleared by the Los Angeles Police Department to notify the school community, a notification was sent to families about these allegations. District protocols are being followed and we remain in cooperation with local authorities. Due to the ongoing investigation by law enforcement, we are unable to disclose additional details about this matter.
‘Please be assured that the safety of our students continues to be our utmost priority. Students and the greater school community are always encouraged to share any and all concerns with their school or with local authorities.’
‘We remain committed to supporting Burroughs MS and the greater school community with counseling and support services. We understand that some students may be impacted by this incident.’
‘Students can always reach out to teachers, counselors or school staff for support.’
The judge had set Matarico’s bail at $590,000. If she makes bail, she must wear a GPS monitoring device.
Her next court date is set for November 26.
