Teacher Caught on Camera Outside Court

A San Diego elementary school teacher charged with molesting a boy who was her godson and former student made an appearance today outside the county courthouse in Chula Vista.

Carmina Lopez, who was freed on bail in February, appeared for what was supposed to be her preliminary hearing.

Lopez, 32,  is charged with eight counts of molesting the boy during a four-year period, beginning when the boy was 11, and ending last July. She pleaded not guilty at her arraignment and was ordered to stay away from the alleged victim.

According to investigators, Lopez was a sixth-grade teacher at Nestor Elementary School when the sexual relationship began in 2004. The victim was a member of her class.

The acts occurred at school, in Lopez's home and in a car in both Chula Vista and San Diego because the suspect lived in both cities over the last four years, police said. The victim, who is now 15, said the last incident happened in early 2008, police said.

Lopez became friends with the victim's family and ultimately was asked to become the victim's godmother, according to investigators.

Lopez has been placed on paid leave from her position as a fifth-grade teacher at Sunnyslope Elementary School pending resolution of her case.

The preliminary hearing was postponed after defense attorney Robert Boyce filed a motion with the court regarding his cross-examination of the alleged victim.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 6.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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