San Diego, CA – A 40-year-old woman who taught at Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Peñasquitos is in custody, accused of having a years-long sexual relationship with a student. The student, who was 15 when the alleged abuse began, reported to the police the abuse began in 2017 and lasted until 2019. Walker taught tech and drama at Mr. Carmel High, located at 9550 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129.
CA Drama Teacher Arrested For Engaging in Sex Acts with 15-Year-Old Student
Stacey Michelle Walker was arrested on Wednesday and is currently being held at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility, facing multiple felony counts connected to sexual acts that are alleged to have taken place between 2017 and 2019.
According to records, the teacher has been charged with 17 offenses, including sodomy, oral copulation, and luring a minor for a sex offense. On March 20, 2024, she was taken into custody with bail set at $400,000, as indicated by the jail records.
Teacher Accused of Sexting Student She Sexually Assaulted For Three Years
According to a news release from the San Diego Police Department, Walker “began engaging the 15-year-old victim in conversations that became sexual in nature.” The victim and Walker then allegedly exchanged numerous photographs, videos, and explicit text messages. Walker is also accused of meeting with the victim several times and engaging in various sex acts, with the sexual assaults continuing until after the victim turned 18 years old [in 2019].”
Investigation Launched After Sexually Abused Victim Reported Teacher
The investigation into the alleged abuse began on July 31 of last year, when the victim came forward to report that they had been sexually assaulted. In response to questions regarding the location of the encounters, Lieutenant Dan Sayasane informed the San Diego Tribune that the incidents “took place at different locations,” indicating that they did not solely occur on school grounds.
Poway Unified School Responds After Teacher Arrested For Years-Long Sexual Misconduct
In a note sent to the families of Mt. Carmel High on Thursday, Principal Yael Bozzay stated that school officials were cooperating with the investigation. The Poway Unified School District confirmed that Walker was placed on leave in August after the police informed the school system about the allegations.
“We have a strong ‘Sundevil Way’ culture among our students, staff, and families because of the respect and care that we share for one another,” Bozzay said in her note. “This includes fostering trust and ensuring safety for all students, which is of the utmost importance. Please speak with your student about the importance of reporting when they do not feel safe. Please reach out to me directly if you have any concerns related to this matter.”
Accused Teacher’s History at Mt. Carmel High
According to the school’s 2021 yearbook, Walker taught theater tech and drama, as well as directed plays and musicals at Mt. Carmel High. An online article revealed that Walker was a former student at the school herself before her first year teaching at Mt. Carmel High in 2015.
“I was interviewing for jobs at a couple other schools, but in my heart I always wanted to come back here,” Walker is quoted as saying in the article.
Authorities Urge Potential Victims to Come Forward
Anybody with information about the case — or any other potential victims — is being urged to contact the San Diego police at (619) 531-2210. Tips can also be called in anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Walker is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday afternoon in San Diego Superior Court downtown.
Unveiling Legal Rights in Cases of Teacher-Student Sexual Abuse
In a recent discussion, we spoke with California school sexual abuse attorney Bobby Thompson. Join along as we take a deeper look into the important topic of legal rights available to victims of such abuse. Gain a better understanding of the steps victims and their families can take to navigate this challenging journey and seek the justice they deserve.
Attorney Laurence Banville, Esq. (LB): Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Thompson. As a sexual assault attorney experienced in cases of school sexual abuse, we are eager to share your knowledge on the legal rights available for children who have endured such traumatic experiences.
Attorney Bobby Thompson, Esq. (BT): Absolutely, Laurence. It’s important for victims and their families to understand the legal options and rights available when it comes to cases of children who have been sexually abused by a teacher. In California, specific laws exist to protect these vulnerable individuals.
LB: And what about civil legal options for the victims?
BT: In addition to the criminal case, the victims also have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit. This allows them to seek monetary damages not only from the teacher, but also from the school district if there is evidence of negligence in allowing the abuse to occur. The damages can cover things like medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and compensation for the pain and suffering endured.
LB: What would you say to victims and their families navigating their legal options following school-related sexual abuse?
BT: I would stress the importance of seeking out an experienced sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible. These cases can be complex, and having a knowledgeable advocate on your side can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive the full measure of justice and compensation you deserve. I encourage anyone affected by this situation to reach out for a free consultation.
LB: Thank you, Mr. Thompson.
Helping Fight Against School Sexual Abuse
For victims of sexual abuse by a teacher or other school employee, the road to healing and justice can be complex. However, as California sexual abuse attorney Thompson emphasized, there are legal protections and avenues for recourse available. Victims and their families are encouraged to reach out to our team for a free, confidential consultation to understand their rights and options moving forward. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive support to help survivors seek the accountability and closure they deserve.
Sources:
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
