EspañolLos Angeles Preschool Teacher Sherry Bernal, 33, of Glendora, Arrested For Allegedly Having Sexual Relationship With 15-Year-Old
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (February 27, 2024) – A 33-year-old Los Angeles pre-school teacher identified as Sherry Bernal has been charged with having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old child.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the defendant was arrested by the West Covina Police Department. The arrest comes after Sherry Bernal became the subject of an investigation into whether she was having an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old juvenile.
She was booked into custody and now faces possible charges of arranging to meet a minor for sex. She has since been released on $180,000 bail. The West Covina Police Department is asking anyone with more information about the actions of Sherry Bernal to come forward.
Liability For Los Angeles County Teacher Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse remains alarmingly common at all levels of education. According to Psychology Today, “A new large-scale, multistate survey of recent high school graduates about the nature and scope of educator sexual misconduct in Grades K–12 conducted by our lab found that almost 20 years after the publication of the Shakeshaft report, educator sexual misconduct remains rampant.” Teachers that prey upon minor children will typically engage in numerous forms of grooming behavior.
- Abusers often select potential victims based on ease of access to them or perceived vulnerability.
- Abusers will often attempt to physically or emotionally separate a victim from those protecting them.
- Abusers may attempt to gain the trust of victims through gifts, attention, or sharing “secrets.”
- Abusers may attempt to desensitize victims to touch or by discussing sexual topics.
Depending on the facts of any case, a school could be vicariously liable for the sexual abuse of a minor student involving a teacher. Schools have a legal responsibility to protect students from reasonably foreseeable forms of harm, including sexual abuse by teachers. A school could even be held liable for the sexual abuse of students when the abuse took place off campus. Consider, for example, John R. v. Oakland Unified School District (1989). In that case, a 14-year-old student was allegedly sexually molested by a teacher while he was at the teacher’s apartment during an official, extracurricular program. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of teacher sexual abuse.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A police report should be created.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
When a school has actual or constructive notice that a teacher poses a risk to students, they must act. Teachers are mandated reporters and must report all reasonably suspected instances of sexual abuse. But far too often, this does not happen. It is important that victims of teacher sexual abuse understand that they do have rights. Survivors are able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Teacher Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the children and families who may have been affected by the actions of Sherry Bernal. Any person who may have more information should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of these allegations.
Have you or someone that you care about been impacted by LA County teacher sexual abuse? You may have legal recourse. Our team of child sexual abuse attorneys is here for you. We are dedicated to helping abuse victims and holding both teachers and school districts responsible for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
