SAN DIEGO, CA- Authorities with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) announced that a drama teacher, who is in her 40s, faces several felony charges after a yearslong sexual relationship with a female student, who was 15-years-old at the start of the inappropriate relationship, has come to light.
In a press release, SDPD said that Mt. Carmel High School teacher Stacey Michelle Walker began her inappropriate relationship with the 15-year-old victim back in 2017 when her conversations with the student "became sexual in nature." Walker was arrested on Wednesday, March 20th and pleaded not guilty while in court on Friday, March 22.
A judge set her bail at $150,000 and stipulated that she cannot have any contact with minors, other than those in her immediate family.
According to SDPD, the sexual acts that are alleged to have taken place were done so between 2017 and 2019. The said, "Walker began engaging the 15-year-old victim in conversations that became sexual in nature. The victim and suspect exchanged numerous photographs, videos and explicit text messages. Walker also met with the victim several times and engaged in various sex acts. The sexual assaults continued until after the victim turned 18-years-old."
The investigation began on July 31, 2023 after the victim came forward to report that she had been sexually assaulted. Prosecutor Vanessa Gerad said in a statement, "So, it's been a couple of years since then. That's been the process of the investigation, and we've finally come today and we're just grateful for the team effort to be able to hopefully move forward with these charges and get justice."
When asked if any of the sexual encounters took place on school grounds, SPD Lieutenant Dan Sayasane said that the incidents occurred "at varying locations." Sayasane said that the department is also investigating to find out if there are any additional victims.
According to the school's 2021 yearbook, Walker taught theater tech and drama as well as directed plays and musical at the school. Walker was also a high school student herself at that school and is quoted as saying, "I was interviewing for jobs at a couple other schools, but in my heart I always wanted to come back here."
One of Walker's former students, Isaiah Jones, said that he never would have imagined his former drama teacher engaging in this type of activity. He said that she "fostered a friendly environment," but now thinking back is questioning her past behavior after learning about what allegedly happened.
He said, "It's worrying to me that, like, the sort of safe space that was meant for you know, people who are traditionally the outcasts at school ... the person who was sort of the leader of said space was doing all these sorts of stuff behind the scenes."
Principal Yael Bozzay sent out a memo to the families of Mt. Carmel High, saying that school officials were cooperating with the investigation and that Walker has been on leave and has no taught at the school at all this year.
Bozzay said in her note, "We have a strong 'Sundevil Way' culture among out students, staff and families because of the respect and care that we share for one another. 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."
Walker has been charged with several felonies including sodomy, oral copulation and luring a minor for a sex offense. As of 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20th, Walker was still in custody. If convicted, the maximum sentence is 13 years in prison. Walker is due back in San Diego Superior Court on April 8 for a readiness hearing.
In a press release, SDPD said that Mt. Carmel High School teacher Stacey Michelle Walker began her inappropriate relationship with the 15-year-old victim back in 2017 when her conversations with the student "became sexual in nature." Walker was arrested on Wednesday, March 20th and pleaded not guilty while in court on Friday, March 22.
A judge set her bail at $150,000 and stipulated that she cannot have any contact with minors, other than those in her immediate family.
According to SDPD, the sexual acts that are alleged to have taken place were done so between 2017 and 2019. The said, "Walker began engaging the 15-year-old victim in conversations that became sexual in nature. The victim and suspect exchanged numerous photographs, videos and explicit text messages. Walker also met with the victim several times and engaged in various sex acts. The sexual assaults continued until after the victim turned 18-years-old."
The investigation began on July 31, 2023 after the victim came forward to report that she had been sexually assaulted. Prosecutor Vanessa Gerad said in a statement, "So, it's been a couple of years since then. That's been the process of the investigation, and we've finally come today and we're just grateful for the team effort to be able to hopefully move forward with these charges and get justice."
When asked if any of the sexual encounters took place on school grounds, SPD Lieutenant Dan Sayasane said that the incidents occurred "at varying locations." Sayasane said that the department is also investigating to find out if there are any additional victims.
According to the school's 2021 yearbook, Walker taught theater tech and drama as well as directed plays and musical at the school. Walker was also a high school student herself at that school and is quoted as saying, "I was interviewing for jobs at a couple other schools, but in my heart I always wanted to come back here."
One of Walker's former students, Isaiah Jones, said that he never would have imagined his former drama teacher engaging in this type of activity. He said that she "fostered a friendly environment," but now thinking back is questioning her past behavior after learning about what allegedly happened.
He said, "It's worrying to me that, like, the sort of safe space that was meant for you know, people who are traditionally the outcasts at school ... the person who was sort of the leader of said space was doing all these sorts of stuff behind the scenes."
Principal Yael Bozzay sent out a memo to the families of Mt. Carmel High, saying that school officials were cooperating with the investigation and that Walker has been on leave and has no taught at the school at all this year.
Bozzay said in her note, "We have a strong 'Sundevil Way' culture among out students, staff and families because of the respect and care that we share for one another. 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."
Walker has been charged with several felonies including sodomy, oral copulation and luring a minor for a sex offense. As of 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20th, Walker was still in custody. If convicted, the maximum sentence is 13 years in prison. Walker is due back in San Diego Superior Court on April 8 for a readiness hearing.
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Comments
2024-03-26T00:38-0400 | Comment by: MICHELLE
Men are turning into women, and women are turning into monsters. I think I am too old for this world.