[KHTS] – Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Departments Special Victims Bureau arrested Legacy Christian Academy teacher Carl Astrera, 35, of Panorama City, on Wednesday.
“(Astrera) was booked on 647.6, which is annoying or molesting a child,” said Sgt. Brian Hudson of the Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau. Astrera was arrested around noon at the school, Hudson said.
“We are concerned that considering his postion at the school, there could be other children who were victims of his behavior,” Hudson said, although at this time, only one victim has been identified.
The victim was an 11-year-old boy, Hudson said, characterizing the molestation as “inappropriate touching and behavior that’s inappropriate in any setting.
Detectives began investigating an incident involving inappropriate contact and conduct by a teacher towards a student at the Legacy Academy School at the 27600 Block Dickason Drive in Valencia on Feb. 28.
The conduct towards the child appears to have occurred during the last year and a half.
Legacy Christian Academy officials could not be reached for comment immediately at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested 35 year-old Panorama City resident, officials said.
The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday, which subsequently filed one count against the suspect of annoying or molesting a child.
A warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest and he was arrested Wednesday and booked at Santa Clarity Valley Sheriff’s Station. He was released at 5:39 p.m. on $20,000 bail.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims in this case, as the suspect has been employed at Legacy Academy for several years.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau at (877) 710-5273.
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130 Comments
So completely FALSE… Don’t believe everything you read in the news!!!
So completely FALSE… Don’t believe everything you read in the news!!!
I agree with both of you!
Actually if you go here you can get the official information http://app4.lasd.org/iic/ajis_search.cfm
Just cuz u know someone doesn’t mean u can trust em. There’s always 2 sides to a person n some have 5 haha
Im sure people that know him will support him … Until proven guilty .. But I bet u wouldn’t leave your own kids alone with him …
As a student who has known Mr. Astrera since I was very little, I can say this is completely false! He has always been so kind to me and my family. Those who know him, know he isn’t capable of this!
This is sad. Unfortunately the nicest people can have demons. He needs a lot of prayer.
I can’t even imagine that this is true. I would still trust him with my kids today. He will always be one of their favorite teachers.
I know him too! I actually worked with him at Legacy and Sunshine. I would have trusted him with my own kids. He is the sweetest, kindest person. I am in shock and I truly hope that this is not true :-(
If true, he needs a major beat down.
I haven’t read any more beyond the post but if anybody has done their research people who commit these crimes are nice and kind…it’s part of the process of bringing them in and gaining their victims’ trust…it’s not the “boogie man” doing this…what child would “trust” someone who is mean and scary…food for thought
I am well aware of the stereo type of these types of people but he is not that person. He does not have any of the characteristics of the type to commit these crimes. I trust Carl and my son respects and looks up to him. I am sorry someone could cause such lies about someone. This is why it makes the real criminals get off or not get reported. Please everyone stop judging and prosecuting without knowing the facts. This whole situation really makes me sad. Carl is an amazing role model and I look forward to his name being cleared!
These kind of responses are the ones that the victims fear…”they are not going to believe me” I am sure is what Sandusky’s first victim said! and he was beloved by so many. Just goes to show how much we really dont know people.
Kimberly you nailed it. FINALLY someone said it.
There is no way that this man did this. My son was a student there and Mr. Astrera was never anything but appropriate. I trusted my son with him then and would still trust him now. The truth shall prevail.
Pathetic pig!! this world is so sad these days… image having that on your shoulders – arrested for molesting little children. Just shocking.
Don’t speak about someone unless you know them.
Completely false and untrue. …disturbed kid, dad with a vendetta who works in law enforcement. Makes me sick. ….Carl Astrera is an amazing teacher… and I know he will be cleared. I hope the need retorts thay when it happens.
Whatever happened to “innocent until proven guilty”? Some of you sound like a lynch mob!
If there was a real lynch mob I’d join it, I know of a tall tree and I’d offer my car to drag him there
No 11 year old boy is going to lie about this ! Protect your Damn kids. If anyone were even suspected of such I would never let my daughter around her. I’ve been a victim of molestation and rape. Trust me they always seen nice and sweet until they find their chance to make a move.
Your situation is much different than this one. This child had been a problem before. The circumstances include a wink, a hug, and a quasi tackle/bear hug during a game of tag with other kids. As a young boy, all of these incidents regularly happened to me and I felt no sexual inference of any sort. The teacher was never alone with the child and no sexual interaction ever occurred. This particular law provides for a “feeling” of irritation from the child. Nothing else is required for an indictment. This case will not result in a conviction since the law requires a sexual overtone to prove guilt. We don’t want teachers to be overt but we certainly want them to be friendly. My son was in this boy’s class with Astrera and I for one do not want any teacher to stop winking or hugging my boy. If anyone treats my son like you were treated, they should be locked away quickly before I get a hold of them. But our laws need to protect the innocent from accusations as well as protecting our children.
What bothers me most about this is the commenters willing to condemn a man they don’t even know on “allegations”. I know Carl personally and find this very hard to believe. And, now his name and face and reputation are being put out there and associated with these things before an investigation/trial has even been concluded.
Lisa Brynjegard
They don’t go around arresting teachers on molestation charges unless they have strong evidence supporting. Child molesters are ALWAYS the most trusted of the children. Blinders people!!!
Completely FALSE! 2 sides to every story!
He’s not a victim yet, wait until the guys find out what he’s in prison for. I hope this piece of trash screams for hours while his cell block turns his colon inside out
Mr. Hadley you are rushing to judgement about someone you probably don’t even know. Perhaps you should look in the mirror sir. Ignorance equals fear.
This leaves me speechless!! I find this very hard to believe – praying the truth comes out!!
I love Legacy. All the teachers were extraordinary when my kids attended the school. I do remember him. He was a nice teacher. Let’s hope this is not true. We do have to protect the children first!! Then if proven innocent back up the adult. Boys molestation cases are often overlooked. As girls cases are not…
I am 100% behind protecting children, but that does not mean that someone who is accused of a crime against a child should be presumed guilty before the charges have been thoroughly investigated and tried. Regardless of the outcome, Carl will now have to live with the impact of these charges on his life. Not a fair situation at all.
Omg Erica Corbin
So tired of hearing about these cases! Can’t a child go to school and learn, play, and feel safe with people who have their best interests in mind. I have been teaching for over 30 years and can’t imagine thinking of these precious kids as sacred :-(
Praying that the REAL truth comes out!! I am all about protecting our children of course. But in this case..a problem child can accuse his teacher of anything to get him in trouble to take the light off of himself!!!!!!
Edith Cuevas
I am in shock, I know most child molesters are people who r well trusted, however in today’s society we tend to jump on every little thing. Teachers and educators can no longer truly help a child they must keep their distance and become very robotic to protect themselves from these allegations. It’s sad but true, some will hate me for saying this, but it is true! We jump on every little thing, it can get ridiculous! I hope whatever the truth is it comes out! I pray for justice and all families involved!
How do all you teacher supporters know that the alleged victim is troubled?
I’m sorry but I do not believe this at all. Carl is a great person and a great teacher who spent many years with my kids. Amazing that people are willing to assume his guilt w/o knowing him. I pray for the accusers that they see the devastation this is causing an innocent man and tell the truth. Law enforcement seriously you needed to arrest him at our school like that during the middle of the school day? Totally uncalled for…go get some real criminals… Carl hang in there…we believe in you and we’re praying hard for you in the Puleo household.
Scvtv! Classy, let the sheriffs dept do their job.
Wait wait wait…I’m not “picking” sides but how come all you supporters are so quick to defend him without seeing/reading the evidence in the authorities custody? All I’ve read is that this man has been arrested on allegations of child abuse/inappropriate behavior with a minor. Since it’s an in progress investigation probably nothing more can be said or not said pending a trial.
Wow, I hope children abused by adults don’t see these posts, the belief that they will not be believed is what stops many kids coming forward. No-one but the child and this man know the real truth, and I think it’s a shame so many people are making judgements either way. I know when the LAPD officer arrested last year for child molestations, his friends also stood by him too, until he pleaded guilty. All child molesters who abuse children they know, all gain the trust of the parents and adults around them, so I would not be too quick to dismiss this child, of course no one wants to admit someone they trust could do this kind of thing but it happens all too often.
I am not and I don’t think anyone supporting Carl is saying this child’s (or any child’s) accusations shouldn’t be thoroughly investigated and taken seriously. The problem lies in the judgement passed on the accused in the court of public opinion. His name and face and picture shouldn’t be plastered on the news for people to pass judgement on him before the investigation and trial have been concluded.
I pray for him and the child. Lord knows what really happened.
I might be wrong but isn’t every teacher/administrator/coach’s picture plastered everywhere when they are arrested?
This kind of reporting is borderline libelous and/or slanderous and shouldn’t be allowed. No matter what, this has ruined a great man, friend, and teacher’s life. Shame on the pitchforks. I worked with children for over 10 years and this is a reason I’m grateful that I don’t anymore. False accusations can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Be apprehensive and very protective of your children, PLEASE! Don’t base your entire, uneducated bias opinion on a suspicion.
Innocent until proven guilty…….period end of report.
Get a grip people. It’s in the hands of the Sheriffs dept. If you don’t know the situation please hold your judgement!
Nicely said Fenella
I knew Mr. A and thought of him as a very kind person. He taught a great computer class and even volunteered to stay after school and teach a computer workshop to my Girl Scout troop so they could earn a badge. All of my interactions with this man led me to believe that he was a good person. However, it is very rare that people say, “Oh, I totally saw this coming!” after an educator is convicted of a crime such as this. I did think Mr. A was a great teacher, but I will always take a child’s word first until proven false. What kind of world would we be creating if we didn’t do everything possible to protect and uphold our children first and foremost? I understand the feelings of those that are surprised and in denial; my jaw dropped when I saw this article. However, as Kim S. said, when kids feel more trusting, they also become more vulnerable.
Wouldn’t surprise me one bit if scvtv jumped the gun on this story…regardless the outcome, we live in a country where someone is innocent UNTIL proven guilty. It should be illegal to post the name and picture of someone who has not yet been convicted, as it does ruin their reputation regardless of the facts and outcome of the case. I sure hope its not true, but I guess we shall see. Good ‘ll scvtv just looking for sensationalistic headlines, as always.
Wow!! God bless the children!!
Shows he was arrested on a misdemeanor and released on $20,000 bail according to the lasd inmate info page…
I would believe my child as a parent if I didn’t who would ? That’s why a lot of times kids are afraid to tell anyone, for fear if no one backing them up. As my child’s advocate i would have a few choices …report it ?or beat the crap out of him ?or ignore what your child is saying and let it go ? What would u do ?
I am sorry but I was at their campus a few weeks ago and saw how inappropriate their “paid” coach was with all the girls so I find it so believable that his behavior was out of line…It was disturbing how their own staff treated their students… so if they allow that kind of behavior in sports I can only see what is appropriate and ok in class. If I was a legacy parent I would have complained with the inappropriate behavior!!! trust me I called their athletic director…
More raw meat for the parental wolves with a seemingly insatiable appetite for drama.
If guilty, castrate him…
So depressing.
shame on all of you that can judge a person on what you read. Todays society has made every child and parent paranoid over any person looking at a child the wrong way. I pray for the family accusing this person that they’ve made the right decision to pursue this.
What exactly do you think are the “characteristics” of a child predator? They are smart people and they do their darnedest to keep it a secret…they don’t walk around with signs saying they like children and what they like doing to them…just because people come in contact with him at school and carry on conversations doesn’t qualify as really “knowing” him…unless everyone in his defense is around him 24 hours a day, has looked on his personal computers, peeked in all rooms of his house etc then nobody really knows him they all just hope it’s not true…which would obviously be the best outcome…it’s a different perspective from someone not personally connected to this
As a past student at Legacy, I have a very hard time believing these allegations are true. I understand that predators act sweet and innocent, but Mr. Astrera was different. Throughout my eight years at Legacy, I never met anyone who had a single bad thing to say about him. I find it sad that this allegation could ruin not only his teaching career, but also his life. My prayers are with Mr. Astrera, and the Legacy faculty.
hope it’s not true but if it is he should be away from children
Or shot, I’m pretty sure shooting him would be the best cure
Kimberly since you have only read what has been posted as you stated before maybe you should keep your thoughts to yourself. You clearly are not personally connected to him or know anything about him to make the comments you have. He is a great person and should not have to go through what he has today
Whether Carl Astrera is innocent or guilty, it is not for us to condemn him. I find it disgusting and disheartening that SCVTV would post this and drag him through the mud without having the full story or a legal judgement.
Annoying a child? Lol
FYI, a good friend of mine was recently given life for serial child molestation. I neeeeeeever would have guessed, nor imagined. He was the sweetest, nicest guy. It shook my world. They are masters of impressions.
I agree with all the people that are explaining how child predators work. However…THAT IS NOT THIS MAN. The truth will prevail.
Cindy “Carona” Cano, have another beer with your head in the sandy beach.
Then go ” bust some skulls!”
I don’t know the man at all, but to everybody talking about how nice he is, and “he would never!” That’s just it, you truly never know! It’s always the people least expected! If we were able to pin point predators, there wouldn’t be so many abuse cases! It’s more often than not, someone the child “trusts”.
Min Galang isn’t this Carl Carl from when we were in hs?!?!
Omg yes!!! It sure is Abigail Morada
Min Galang I didn’t get the full story I just saw this and was
I’m in total shock right now!! If u find it send it over to me via message.
Abigail Morada
Christine Reyes
Abigail Morada who is this?
Amanda I’m stating outside objective opinions…I have not once stated anything for or against this teacher…lots of people on here are basing their opinions on feelings without any evidence besides “I know him, he’s a nice guy, he would never do this”….again all the outside public knows is that he was arrested in regards to a possible inappropriate relationship with a child is what this article is about…I didn’t even gather that this post/article was biased…just reporting on a local story with the facts they know…the signal has posted it too along with his picture…is everyone going to go over and tell them “shame on you” too, like I’ve read here?
Remember he use to hang n take pix with tina tuano? Christine Reyes
Abigail Morada oh wow crazy!
He is innocent and I trust my 3 boys with him all the time. This is ridiculous! He’s a good man with a good heart. This kid made false allegations! Carl is innocent. Period!
W. T. F. I grew up with him.
Who is this 11 year old kid anyway? Why isn’t his name on here or the report?
Greg brown first of all it’s CORONA and that my 13 year old daughter in the picture u are referring to! Idiot . That means you went thru my cover photos the only thing that’s not private ! Watch our people STALKERS!!! Most of my cover photos are my daughter! No beer photos at all .
For all of you saying that his dad is a deputy with a vendetta. How about instead he is a parent concerned for his child’s safety and took matters to the authorities! I would believe my child and do the same thing as this protective father! If he isn’t guilty he won’t be convicted, if he is then I hope he rots and dies in prison!
Fatin, he’s a minor and his name doesn’t need to be in this report! Again it’s called protecting your child, something you all should learn!
Lorraine Aceves
Wow reactions and jumping to the adults defense shocking and disheartening. Having been a victim of this as a child, I shudder to think that it was my word against his and based on this audience, you would have believed the adult. This leaves a major scar people and you need to put your egos aside and focus solely on the well being of this child. No matter what the outcome this child needs this community to rally around him. It’s appalling you are throwing a kid under the bus. Shame on those of you who blamed the child!!! Even if it is untrue, this child needs support not shame!!!!!!
Well…I know where my daughter won’t be going to school at. That’s for damn sure.
Brad Jones Alex Hagar
Also be wary of people who are overly anti suspect. People who are overly against something are sometimes hiding behind their sword. Me thinks ye doth protest too much… and all. Let the system handle the accusations.
Elize Theron
This would happen at a Christian school. It’s just like the catholic churches and little boys. Haha kinda funny.
Innocent until proven guilty….there is no more to discuss. Please stop all of this madness.
Glad this dirt bag was arrested! Don’t private schools of the same live scan background checks that public school districts do?
Some of these comments are really confusing, especially those that accuse SCVTV of “doing” something or other. It seems there might be some readers who don’t realize the sheriffs are using the media (including us) to fish for additional victims, as noted in the Sheriff’s Department’s own Tweet: “Teacher arrested from Legacy Academy School, Valencia #LASD @SCVSHERIFF for annoy/molest child. Detectives seek other victims.”
You who are saying innocent until proven guilty and that you know him personally and know he is not capable of doing this. I’m sure you’re right and those of you who are condemning this poor man should be ashamed !!! I mean really, look at Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer was married and he was a nice guy. No one thought he could murder 90 plus woman. Or how about John Wayne Gacey, the killer Clown. He was a business man who dressed up on weekends for parties and killed some 33 teenage boys and me. But you know they were nice guys!! The list goes on and on!! But hey, they were all nice I’m sure!! Just because someone smiles in your face, doesn’t mean that they are not capable of unthinkable acts!! If he is found innocent I hope that it’s because he is innocent not because of some bugled investigation! And if he is found guilty I hope they hang him by his balls!!
Child molestation can happen at any school whether public, private,or religious. I assume they ran a background check on him when he was hired for this job, because if they didn’t, in my opinion the school should be held responsible as well.
Do you guys remember him? Kellie Boek-Basso Kathy Birch Mulcahey
Good comment David
“Booked on 647.6, which is annoying or molesting a child” that seems like a broad range of things. Was he annoying a child by asking to borrow money everyday, or did he molest the child?
SCVTV~ Thanks for alerting the community. I know that SCV Sheriffs and the DA’s office would not issue an arrest warrant without probable cause. It’s not up to us to decide his innocence or guilt. However, it is your moral responsibility to report the news. I know people are confused and frustrated, but we need to remember if the community is not alerted we could possibly have more victims. I’m confident that you will report updates to these allegations. If these allegation are false – everyone will know. The truth will prevail.
Actually, your statement isn’t entirely true. There are some subjects: child abuse, spousal abuse, etc, where the DA has a “no-pass” policy. Many jurisdictions have a similar approach. Once an accusation is made in these “sensitive” areas, an indictment is almost automatic. It is the problem with our society where people become so incensed by a subject that the elected officials (e.g. – DA) feel the need react regardless of the strength of the case. This particular charge is a misdemeanor offense given the details of the complaint. A conviction is highly unlikely. But the damage has already been done with the accusation. Whether he is innocent or not, his life will always be plagued with the accusation. The laws need to be changed to require something more than an “annoyed” child before throwing a person’s life into chaos. Who would want to be a teacher when a wink or pat on the back can bring on a witch hunt. Maybe teachers should be behind a plexi-glass wall like our bankers. Anything to “protect” the children, right?
Wow Erich Rowbottom how is it funny a child gets molested…… Issues
It says he was charged with”annoying or molesting a child”?? That’s a pretty big difference! Freaking social medias gonna have this guy killed in the street for playing got ur nose with the wrong kindergartners! !
Again, innocent until proven guilty…I’m not sure what part of that people do not get. I suggest that we let the system work and not make our personal comments.
The legal jargon may be confusing some of you, “annoy/molest” are sort of used in a broad sense here. You can annoy a child by exposing your privates to them or forcing them to touch you. Molest is the act of touching said child.
I’m appalled at the comments of those saying he did not do this. And that the child is troubled and it’s a false allegation. And the request for a minors name, as if you should enact a lynch mob on an 11-year-old child.
Proven facts in regards to those who report child molestation is that it is EXTREMELY RARE for ANY child to make a false report, ever. Predators are keen observers and master manipulators. If the child is, in fact, “”troubled” what a perfect opportunity for this predator to not only take advantage of someone so vulnerable, but then to ensure no one would believe said child. Jerry Sandusky also preyed on “troubled” youth.
Unless you were with this teacher every single time he was alone with this child, then your opinion on him doing such things is moot.
And, yes, he is innocent until proven guilty. That said, I’d imagine he’s probably guilty considering the police are searching for more victims and the length of time this “allegedly” went on for.
The legal jargon may be confusing some of you, “annoy/molest” are sort of used in a broad sense here. You can annoy a child by exposing your privates to them or forcing them to touch you. Molest is the act of touching said child.
I’m appalled at the comments of those saying he did not do this. And that the child is troubled and it’s a false allegation. And the request for a minors name, as if you should enact a lynch mob on an 11-year-old child.
Proven facts in regards to those who report child molestation is that it is EXTREMELY RARE for ANY child to make a false report, ever. Predators are keen observers and master manipulators. If the child is, in fact, “”troubled” what a perfect opportunity for this predator to not only take advantage of someone so vulnerable, but then to ensure no one would believe said child. Jerry Sandusky also preyed on “troubled” youth.
Unless you were with this teacher every single time he was alone with this child, then your opinion on him doing such things is moot.
And, yes, he is innocent until proven guilty. That said, I’d imagine he’s probably guilty considering the police are searching for more victims and the length of time this “allegedly” went on for.
For those confused by the difference:
For purposes of this law, “annoy” and “molest” mean the same thing. They refer to conduct which is:
motivated by sexual interest in a child, or in children generally, and
which is likely to disturb, irritate or be observed by a child or children.
He needs to be castrated and then hung!
He needs to be castrated and then hung!
I just can’t believe it. I knew him. I don’t know what to think
I just can’t believe it. I knew him. I don’t know what to think
They’re gonna love him in jail.
http://www.legacy-christian.com/forms/Statement%2003-27-14.pdf
Both my kids went to Legacy and it was a wonderful experience (over 8 years!). The teachers – including Mr. A. are kind, involved, and caring. The staff is professional and on the ball. I am personally sensitive to this issue having experience with it as a child – and NEVER saw anything but professional top notch educators going above & beyond to do their best for the kids. Mr. A. is a great teacher and person. Both my kids were appalled that he has been accused of this crime. Our family stands behind Legacy and Mr. A. We hope and pray this is all a horrible misunderstanding.
This went out to all Legacy Parents today. Dear Legacy Parents,
I am communicating to you this afternoon in an attempt to clarify questions that have arisen in regards to Mr. Astrera. There obviously have been many questions and concerns expressed by parents of Legacy students following the arrest yesterday on the misdemeanor charges of “annoying or molesting a child.” Much of the concern stems from the reporting of the arrest and the implication that some act of sexual molestation –as that term is generally understood – may have occurred between the teacher and the fifth grade student.
Given the understandable concern expressed by so many in our community, we feel compelled to advise you of what we do know at this time. While we may not know all of the information that the investigators have obtained, we do know the following based on the complaining parent’s disclosures to us and the result of our own internal investigation:
1. There were no allegations conveyed to us of touching that was overtly sexual in nature – rather we have been advised of an alleged incident when, while playing tag out on the playground with several students, the teacher picked the student up off the ground.
2. The teacher is alleged to have stated to the student in a classroom setting full of students, that the student would be excused to leave the classroom if “he gave the teacher a hug.” There is no allegation that a hug actually ensued.
3. The teacher is alleged to have “winked” at the student in class.
4. There is no allegation that the teacher was ever alone with the student in any setting.
5. There was no contact by the teacher with the student outside of school either in person, telephone, email or through social media.
6. The student had been given a “yellow card” for disciplinary reasons by the accused teacher in October 2013.
Based on the information we have obtained, our 14 years of experience with this teacher and even the nature of the allegations, we had and have no reason to believe that any Legacy student was subjected to any risk with this teacher. However, if you know of any information that is relevant to this teacher and his conduct, we urge you to share that with the LA County Sheriff’s investigators. The teacher involved will remain on administrative leave pending further investigation and evaluation.
Sincerely,
Timothy W. Borruel
Principal
@naomitrower here it is
@naomitrower here it is
Randall your sick
Randall your sick
If this was an ongoing investigation for the past 3+ weeks, why did the police feel the need to arrest him at school and create a scene? Regardless of Mr. Astrera’s innocence, this seems unnecessary, and potentially traumatizing to students who had to see a teacher taken away in handcuffs.
From what I’ve heard, the kid’s parent works in law enforcement, and he may have gotten Mr. Astrera arrested as some sort of payback (potentially for the disciplinary action taken against his kid last fall, perhaps for other reasons), and arranged to have him arrested on the school’s premises was just to further humiliate him.
Reading Legacy’s official statement, it sounds like the police are grasping at straws for a case here (hence why they’re fishing for other people to come forward). According to Legacy’s statement, Mr. Astrera allegedly was playing tag with the children at recess, and picked one of the kids up while playing. 20 years ago, nobody would have batted an eye at this, but now it’s considered “molestation,” even though there’s nothing sexual about it. Maybe not the right thing for a teacher to do, but certainly not something that should warrant having him being arrested, or his mugshot plastered across the media.
There’s no case here, all of Mr. Astrera’s interactions with this kid were in public, which means they have witnesses, and so far people are saying there was nothing sexual about the conduct (a requirement for penal code 647.6). The parent got what he was hoping for, which was to get Mr. Astrera thrown in jail, his mugshot plastered all over local media, and potentially ruined his career, even if found completely innocent.
I hope that when this is all over, and Mr. Astrera is found innocent, Legacy will welcome him back with open arms; and if it does turn out that there was an abuse of power by the police, that a civil case is filed.
That all said, we will have to wait for the courts to pass judgment in the months to come. Those of you suggesting that Mr. Astrera be murdered/maimed, or comparing him to a serial killer, should research more of the facts and not just jump to conclusions.
“He needs to be castrated” “They’re gonna love him in jail” Are you people sick? Do you realize the impact of your words!? How sad if this was done or said to you esp if you were innocent! I am sick of half these comments! My child attends this school and has been under these educators for 9 years! You people don’t know the whole story so know the facts before you judge this outstanding teacher! Someone said “what 11 yr would would lie about this” this 11 yr has had problems since day 1! This kid has bullied other kids, has had multiple red cards, has spent hours in principles office, has had to repeat the 5th grade! And no longer attends this school. He has always been a problem and he is mean. Mr. A is an outstanding teacher! One of the BEST! He is in trouble for a hug? … Gosh It just goes to show you how disturbed people are bc I am the opposite and I want nurturing teachers to love on my child! I want them to engage, teach, have fun, and LOVE on my child! He played tag w the kids… Just the kind of guy that we all want for our children! It’s sad that people like this makes good teachers more afraid to do their job. I am a nurse and if I wasn’t allowed to hold my patients hands, wink and hug them.. Then what kind of nurse would I be? A cold one! This is damaging for all! And I pray the family has a HEAVY heart and feel great conviction for all the damage they have created! I believe 100% in Mr A and would leave my child with him any day Any time!!! This school has also been very nurturing with the top educators! I stand by this school and Mr A!
Anna Castillo actually, it IS up to us, the citizens. ..aka a jury of his peers. Not to mention it sounds like they did issue the arrest warrant without probable cause. See the updates.
I would like to remind people that we are innocent until proven guilty, to keep the judgments at bay until all tge facts come out. What if this was ur friend or family member, wouldn’t you want people to keep their vile opinions to their selves until a verdict was even made.
I find this very hard to believe. As one of the founding families of Legacy we have known this teacher from day one. Our son received nothing but an excellent and professional educational experience from this teacher and Legacy as well. I stand firmly behind Mr. Astrera and the Borruel family. What a shame…
This case is a good example of how California residents have let the legislators and courts go to extremes in the name of public protection. Astrera was cited on a single count of 647.6 PC which has a punishment similar to driving on a suspended license. California has many laws protecting children and this is the weakest of them all. If the DA had any aggravating evidence, they would have brought multiple counts into play and certainly something with more bite than a misdemeanor. So those people assuming that the word “molesting” found in the title of 647.6 PC need to read the law before assuming he was caught doing something overt. According to the case law surrounding this statute, the accused is supposed to have demonstrated two components: 1) behavior considered abnormally sexual, 2) conduct designed to disturb, irritate, offend, injure or at least tend to injure another person. There isn’t a teacher in the entire state that hasn’t irritated a student at some point. So the burden of proof for the second half of this law is so low as to be disturbing. The first part is the key to the law but it is highly subjective. No contact need occur for this law to be applied. Indeed, a simple wink from an adult to a child can be all that is required to conjure a claim. If we aren’t digging deep into a person’s thoughts in order to interpret the meaning of a wink, we are kidding ourselves. Put plainly, this law could probably be applied to the most innocent of actions taken wrongly by anyone. Further, there are certain sensitive topics where the DA will automatically issue an arrest regardless of the degree of circumstances. Child abuse is a good example. With recent scandals, the DA doesn’t want to appear weak on the subject and will pursue every claim regardless of merit. The result is the harassing of innocent people in the hopes of finding a few bad apples. Many agree with this approach, and the parent of a real incident would certainly agree. But the fact that many accused of this law will be found innocent does not help a teacher who will be forever stained with an accusation.
The facts of this case will certainly come out. The facts already presented by the prosecution are not likely to produce a conviction since there is nothing in the complaint demonstrating behavior considered abnormally sexual. But the damage is done, and far too many people are piling on this guy because a child is involved and he’s a teacher. There is no penalty from 647.6 PC that will make Astrera’s life dramatically different than it is today. The damage to his life occurred the second the DA issued the complaint. Without a trial or any burden of proof, Astrera’s career and life are irreparably harmed. The scarlet letter is placed and every resident of California should be ashamed that we allowed the cast of blame to cloud the rule of law. If Astrera is found innocent, there will be no apology from the Sheriff, the DA, or the accuser. He will be a few bucks lighter and not a bit relieved. The story will not be one of redemption and he will never escape the judgment already imparted by the public. Mary Walcott would have enjoyed the ease with which accusations can be so freely levied in 2014.
SCVTV Santa Clarita, it is wrong that you failed to make it clear that this was not any type of sexual molestation.
This child was picked up during a game of tag. He perhaps annoyed, or “molested” the child.
Posting this as “molestation,”given the context that word is often given, was wrong. I understand you may be looking for any type of publicity, but at what cost? The cost of this good man’s reputation. Shame on you.
Report the news accurately, in a context that your readers will understand. This underhanded way to get publicity was similar to that of a sleezy magazine.
I am embarassed to be a part of a news community that tears its good teachers down for a moment of publicity.
And lastly, this claim that you are “searching for more victims” is ridiculous considering the actual allegations. Do you need funding so badly? I’ll cut you a check, myself!
SNAPJudy • 16 hours ago
It’s never too late to come forward about being sexually abused. So let’s hope that anyone who may have knowledge or may have been harmed by Carl Astrera, will find the courage to speak up, get help, and contact law enforcement, no matter how long ago it happened.
Something to keep in mind-
Child predators are very cunning and manipulative. They know every trick on how to groom, threaten, lie, and put the fear of god into their victims and sometimes even their family members. They also appear to do a lot of goods things, they can be very charismatic and you may think they would never harm a child. They have to be this way, in order to not get caught and to continue to abuse
Sexual predators are often powerful and well-loved. It would be comforting if those who preyed on the vulnerable were obvious social misfits whose appearance would somehow set off alarm bells and give us the willies or the creeps. They rarely do. Usually, predators are among the last people we would suspect of sexually violating others. While they are grooming the child and even family members, they devote lots of time and energy building trust with them by giving them money and gifts. They tend to make the child feel that they are special and loved.
It takes a lot of courage to come forward and take action about being sexually abused. This is not an easy thing to do, but it is extremely rare that a child predator has only one victim. Some have many. Child predators need to be kept far away from kids forever.
Keep in mind your silence only hurts, and by speaking up there is a chance for healing, exposing the truth, and therefore protecting others
To those who, for whatever reason, blame SCVTV for this story, which we didn’t write, here are a couple of things to know: (1) Although we’re usually first, in this case we were the last local news outlet to post this story. (2) We run all Sheriff press releases (or in some cases what we call a “press release rewrite” by KHTS, like this one.)
Here is the Sheriff’s original headline: “Teacher Arrested From Valencia Area School For Annoy/Molest Child. Detectives Seek Other Victims.”
And here is the Sheriff’s original press release:
“On February 28, 2014, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Departments Special Victims Bureau began investigating an incident involving inappropriate contact and conduct by a teacher towards a student at the Legacy Academy School, 27600 Block Dickason Drive, Valencia. The conduct towards the child appears to have occurred during the last year and half.
As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested 35 year-old Panorama City resident, Carl Astrera. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on March 25, 2014, which subsequently filed one count against the suspect of Annoying /Molesting a Child. A warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest and he was arrested on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, and booked at Santa Clarity Valley Sheriff’s Station. He is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.
“Detectives believe there may be additional victims in this case, as the suspect has been employed at Legacy Academy for several years.
“Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau at (877) 710-5273. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the websitehttp://lacrimestoppers.org./ “