Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
4th Grade Teacher Arrested On Suspicion of Sexually Assaulting 20 Kids, 1 Adult
A former fourth-grade teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District under investigation since March for accusations of inappropriate touching has now been arrested on suspicion he sexually assaulted 20 children and one adult.
57-year-old Robert Pimental of Newport Beach had worked for the LAUSD since 1974. In March, 2012, when an investigation was launched into his alleged suspicious behavior, he left his position as a fourth-grade teacher at George De La Torre Jr. Elementary School in Wilmington, according to City News Services. Leaving his post voluntarily means Pimental is still eligible for his retirement benefits.
Pimental is being held at the Los Angeles Police Department's Metropolitan Detention Center in lieu of $12 million bail.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed eight counts of continuous sexual abuse and seven counts of lewd acts upon a child against Pimental, according to a release issued by the LAPD.
Support for LAist comes from
LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy believes there needs to be a change in state law so that when teachers are initially placed under investigation for sexual misconduct they can be swiftly terminated so that they cannot retire and collect benefits.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
Best of LAist