A West Los Angeles high school guidance counselor, Julie Elizabeth Tichon, has been formally accused of having an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student, according to charges announced by the Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón. CBS Los Angeles reports that Tichon, aged 37, faces three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger and one felony count of oral copulation of a person under 18. This allegedly occurred between February and March of this year.
The Los Angeles Police Department is actively conducting the investigation and has urged the public to come forward with any information that could lead to uncovering any additional victims. "Our office is dedicated to seeking justice for the victim and holding this individual fully accountable," Gascón stated in a release reported by the District Attorney's Office. Tichon was released on her recognizance with a preliminary court hearing set for November 1st.
"Educators and school staff have a fundamental duty to create a safe environment for all students, and when that trust is broken, it affects the entire community," said Gascón, as KTLA notes from the DA’s statements. The school at which Tichon was employed, a West Los Angeles high school, has confirmed that Tichon no longer works there following the allegations.
Details on the charges include three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger; and one felony count of oral copulation of a person under 18. If convicted on all charges, Tichon potentially faces up to five years in state prison. CBS Los Angeles reports that the LA County District Attorney emphasized the breach of trust and the impact such cases bear on the community. For anyone who might hold relevant information to the case, LAPD Detective Brett Hopkins is reachable at (213) 473-0447.
