Sepulveda Teacher Arrested on Child Annoyance Charges

A Sepulveda Junior High School science teacher was arrested in connection with allegations that he fondled four female students while measuring them for Cadet Corps uniforms, Los Angeles police said Friday.

Jerry Estaville, 34, was arrested at his Chatsworth home on eight counts of misdemeanor child annoyance, which is less serious than child molestation, and eight counts of misdemeanor battery, Detective Ken Buscarino said.

Estaville, who could not be reached for comment, taught science and Cadet Corps, a junior high school version of the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

While measuring students for the uniforms, he touched the four students in an offensive manner, police said.

One student complained to her parents, who complained to school officials, said Diana Munatones, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The ensuing three-week investigation by police revealed that three other students had similar complaints, she said. Munatones said she could not provide further details about the allegations.

Estaville was arrested Thursday and taken to the Devonshire Division Jail, where he was released on $6,000 bail.

His arraignment in San Fernando Municipal Court is scheduled May 11.

Estaville, who had taught at the school since March, has been placed on compulsory unpaid leave of absence until the allegations are resolved.