LAUSD administrator faces more sex abuse charges
Prosecutors say Stephen T. Rooney molested two girls at Markham Midde School, where he had been transferred despite accusations of a relationship with a student at Foshay Learning Center.
A Los Angeles assistant principal who was who was transferred to a South L.A. middle school despite allegations of molesting a student has beencharged with sexually abusing that student and another one, officials said Monday.
Stephen T. Rooney had already been charged last month with forcible lewd acts with a 13-year-old student at Markham Middle School, where he had been transferred after being accused of - but never charged with - having a sexual relationship with a student at Foshay Learning Center.
Prosecutors now charge that Rooney molested a second Markham student, a 14-year-old girl. Moreover, they said they now have enough evidence to charge Rooney in the original molestation allegation at Foshay, which involves having sexual relations with a 15-year-old
The new charges are more bad news for the Los Angeles Unified School District, which has come under intense criticism for transferring Rooney to Markham even though officials knew he had been accused of sexual relations with the Foshay student. The transfer appeared to violate the LAUSD's policy, which requires an independent investigation of such cases before a teacher or administration is moved.
A relative of the Foshay student, who spoke on the condition that he not be named, said he was relieved that Rooney was charged but questioned why it took so long. "He's gotten away with a lot of things and I just feel for these kids," he said.
