Los Angeles police have arrested a biology teacher and accused her of having sex with a 16-year-old student, Los Angeles Times has reported.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) spokesman Tony Im announced Sunday that Aimee Palmitessa, 45, a teacher at the prestigious Brentwood School, was arrested Friday and charged with statutory rape.
In a recent newsletter, Mike Riera, head of Brentwood School, informed parents of the charges filed against Palmitessa. He also indicated that the biology teacher was placed on administrative leave in light of the criminal investigation.
“We were shocked and distressed to receive the news of these allegations. As always, our primary concern is the safety, health, and well-being of our students here at Brentwood School,” Riera wrote on the school’s website. “To that end, we will do everything we can to cooperate with the official police investigation.”
Due to the age of the alleged victim, the LAPD has not released their identity.
Statement from Dr. Mike Riera, Head of School"On Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles Police Department informed…
Posted by Brentwood School (Los Angeles) on Sunday, August 20, 2017
The Los Angeles Times reports that Palmitessa has a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology and previously taught at Penn State Abington. The 45-year-old has worked at Brentwood School since 2010, sources have indicated.
The 45-year-old was held in lieu of $230,000 bail. However, the LAPD revealed Sunday that she has since been released.
Founded in 1972, Brentwood School is known for being one of California’s most upscale educational institutions. In addition to boasting famous alumni, tuition at the K-12 school ranges from $34,460 to $40,760 each year. The school has approximately 1,000 students and 125 full-time teachers, according to their website.
Outside of Saturday’s statement, school officials have yet to further comment on the matter.
[Featured Image: The Brentwood School Flyer]
