Colleen Jo Matarico, a middle school teacher in Los Angeles County, has been charged with sexually abusing a male student between the ages of 13 and 14 from 2023 to 2024, according to District Attorney George Gascón.
“The accusations against Ms. Matarico are deeply disturbing and violate the trust that was placed in her by the students, their families, and the entire community,” District Attorney Gascón stated. “I want to acknowledge the courage of the young victim and his decision to report the abuse. Our office and investigators also are working to identify any potential additional victims. The office will seek justice for the victim and those affected by Matarico’s actions.”
Colleen Jo Matarico (DOB: 5/23/81) is charged in case 24CJCF06908 with five felony charges of lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, two felony counts of indecent acts on children aged 14 or 15, and one felony offense of giving a controlled substance to a minor.
It is further claimed that the victim was especially vulnerable and that Matarico committed the crimes by abusing his position of trust and confidence as a teacher. Matarico is also accused of being remorseless when perpetrating the crime.
Matarico is scheduled to appear in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on November 12.
Matarico is accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with the minor student between 2023 and 2024. She has also been accused of giving cannabis to the minor.
Matarico is being jailed on a $590,000 bail. If convicted as charged, Matarico faces up to 20 years and four months in state prison.
Additional victims or anyone with information should contact Detective Hess at (213) 473-0561. Those who want to remain anonymous can contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
LADA’s Sex Crimes Division is prosecuting the case, while the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division is conducting an investigation.
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