Parents Demand Answers From School in Latest Molestation Case

CAMARILLO —  Parents of Camarillo Heights Elementary School students Saturday called for a full explanation as to how a 15-year-old girl suspected of molesting a kindergartner last April allegedly lured a second girl off campus this month. The teenager is now suspected of molesting that girl.

“None of the parents knew anything about what’s going on,” said Kimberly Davis, the mother of a fourth-grade girl. “It seems the best way to combat predators is to make people aware.

“Silence is protecting the predators. I’m angry.”

Davis was among several parents who said that the school has not discussed the molestation allegations with them and that they first learned about the situation in a Times story Saturday. She said a group of parents is trying to arrange a meeting with Principal Donald Hart.

Reached at home, Hart refused comment. He referred questions to Special Education Director Cathy Cartwright, who could not be reached.

The Pleasant Valley Elementary School District is facing a lawsuit from the parents of the first victim, a 5-year-old girl. Last year, the suspect, then 14, posed as a sixth-grade student aide for several days, the parents say. The teenage girl molested the kindergartner twice, behind a puppet theater and in the school’s bathroom, the suit alleges.

After that incident, the teenager was placed on informal probation without a trial. She now is being held at a Ventura County juvenile facility after allegedly going back to the campus March 12 and convincing a 9-year-old girl to skip school. The teenager, who lives near the elementary school, allegedly went back to her house with the young girl and molested her for several hours.

Since the latest case alleges a violation of the teenager’s probation, she now faces charges in both this month’s incident and last year’s.

The mother of the first victim, who has pulled her daughter from the school, said the school last year sent a brief letter to parents referring to an incident of “inappropriate touching” between a younger and older student. But the letter was vague and confusing, and was not sent out until a month after the April 1, 1997, incident, the mother said.

“I was angry when I read that letter,” she said. “This was a totally inappropriate way to inform parents of the community.”

Meanwhile, several parents said Saturday that they do not recall any warning after the first incident--and that it is the latest occurrence that has them especially worried.

“That second one could have been prevented,” said Edward Johnson, the father of a third-grader. “They knew the problem was there, and they were trying to keep somewhat of a lid on it. We had a right to know. If I had been notified, I literally would have walked my daughter to class.”

Both Johnson and Davis suggested that the school warn children about strangers and institute a “buddy system” in which students accompany each other to the bathroom and other unsupervised places.

Another parent, who said her son was in kindergarten with the first victim, urged school officials to conduct a thorough review of both incidents and explain to parents what went wrong.

“I guess [the suspected molester] slipped in and looked younger. But they should know, this person hasn’t come in before. I know teachers get busy, but the teachers should know what’s going on,” said the parent, who requested anonymity.

“The kids need constant reminding that if someone says come with them, don’t go. . . . Somebody needs to be held accountable. The parents need to know. It shouldn’t be hushed.”

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Correspondent Dawn Hobbs contributed to this story.