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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Fullerton teacher arrested on suspicion of molestation

Eighth-grade teacher Melissa Lindgren at a Fullerton junior high school has been arrested on suspicion of molesting at least one student, Fullerton police said Saturday.
Eighth-grade teacher Melissa Lindgren at a Fullerton junior high school has been arrested on suspicion of molesting at least one student, Fullerton police said Saturday.
(
Fullerton Police Department
)

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An eighth-grade teacher at a Fullerton junior high school has been arrested on suspicion of molesting at least one student, Fullerton police said Saturday.

Authorities arrested 28-year-old Melissa Lindgren of La Mirada on Friday, the Fullerton Police Department said in a statement.

School officials at Nicolas Junior High School in Fullerton learned Friday that Lindgren may have engaged in sexual behavior with a student and immediately notified police, the department said.  

Detectives came to the school and determined that Lindgren was involved in sexual behavior with a student, it said, adding that the detectives "developed information that a second student was also possibly a victim."

Lindgren faces several felony counts, including child molestation, child annoyance and the dissemination of harmful matter to a minor.

She was booked at the Fullerton Police Department and released after posting bail. Her arraignment is scheduled for April 9 at the North Justice Center in Fullerton.

Lindgren's arrest came "within five hours of the school district discovering the allegations,'' said Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes. He cited the rapidity of the response as "another example of the excellent working relationship between the Fullerton School District and the Fullerton Police Department.''

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Lindgren was not available when KPCC tried to reach her for comment.

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