Stories & Grievances
Special Education Teacher Accused of Sexual Abuse
Special education teacher accused of sex abuse
KRQE News, September 27, 2004 =ID&ID%5BTopHeadline%5D=7057]LINK A special education teacher at a Belen Elementary school is behind bars, charged with sexually abusing a student, and police say the child has indicated there are more victims. Detectives are looking into the possibility that 38-year-old Michael Jaramillo may have targeted multiple children at Central Elementary School in Belen. Jaramillo was placed on paid administrative leave after the allegations surfaced. Belen Police officers and Valencia County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating other suspected instances of abuse both on and off school property. Jaramillo was arraigned today in Belen Magistrate Court on first degree felony charges including criminal sexual contact of a minor. The city also charged him with third degree felony charges on Friday. Two weeks ago the alleged victim's mother came to police, telling them the child said he had been touched three times underneath his clothing last school year by Jaramillo. The mother noticed her child's behavior had changed including recent fights at school. All three incidents are alleged to have happened during recess. Police say Jaramillo would target children who were having social problems and invite them into his classroom. "He would take special interest in certain kids in his classroom and build relationship with them," says Belen Police Detective Russell Perea. According to a criminal complaint pornographic material was found on Jaramillo's computer when it was confiscated. Jaramillo is being held at the Valencia County Detention Center on $500,000 cash-only bond. |