Malia Jen Brooks, a teacher at Garden Grove Impact Academy, was taken into custody Wednesday for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 14-year old child, according to MerceryNews.com.
Brooks is facing charges of oral copulation of a person under 14, three counts of genital penetration by a foreign object and committing a lewd act upon a child. She is being held on $2 million bail because authorities believed her to be a flight risk.
Brooks had been known as an “exemplary teacher” at the school.
"She was highly, highly regarded by parents of the Garden Grove community," said the assistant superintendent Cary Dritz said.
However, according to Simi Valley Detective Sgt. Randy Foushee, she abused her occupation.
"She was an adult figure in a position of authority which she used to build and groom a relationship with this victim,” said Foushee.
According to Prosecutor Erin Meister, the purported acts happened anywhere between Jan. 15 to Feb 16.
Brooks stepped away from her position on June 5 amidst efforts to get her fired by school officials.
This news startled everyone in the community—especially since those living there had grown accustomed to the safe environment.
"I'm a lifelong resident of Simi Valley, and I want to express my concern that we don't allow this incident to define our city," shared City Councilman Keith Mashburn. "What defines this city is the quality of its police department and the diligence of this investigation.
According, to the Superintendent Kath Scroggin, the school district has partnered with the police department to provide counseling for students. They have also supplied counseling for the student who was allegedly assaulted.
After interviews, officials believe her crimes were against only one alleged victim.
Parents were notified by mail of the investigation immediately after Brooks was sent on administrated leave on Feb. 21.
If there are any more victims please contact authorities at 805-583-6248.
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