| For Immediate Release May 3, 2007 |
Contact: Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 |
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER ARRESTED FOR MOLESTING HIS 14-YEAR-OLD FEMALE STUDENT
WESTMINSTER – A 36-year-old junior high school teacher was arrested this morning for molesting his 14-year-old female student. Daniel Axtell, Santa Ana, is charged with six counts of felony lewd acts upon a 14-year-old child, one count of felony sexual penetration by foreign object of a minor, and one count of felony first degree burglary. If convicted, he faces eight years in state prison. Axtell will be appearing in court for arraignment tomorrow, Friday, May 4, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in Department W-14 or W-15, West Justice Center, Westminster. Axtell is currently being held on $250,000 bail.
From April 1, 2005 to June 1, 2005, Axtell is accused of befriending Jane Doe, then 14. Axtell is accused of grooming his student at Talbert Middle School in Huntington Beach by befriending her when she confided in him about personal problems. He is accused of gaining the trust of her parents by meeting them. During the 2-month period, the defendant is accused of committing lewd acts and having sexual intercourse with Jane Doe in various locations including hotels and his vehicle. He is accused of entering a hotel room with the intent of committing a felony. Jane Doe recently came forward and reported the abuse.
The investigation is continuing on this matter. If anyone else has been victimized by Axtell, he or she is urged to call Detective Cathy Meza of the Huntington Beach Police Department at 714-536-5970. Deputy District Attorney Kal Kaliban of the Sexual Assaults Unit is prosecuting the case.
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