Azusa Substitute Teacher Charged
with Multiple Counts of Child Molestation

April 7, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
(213) 974-3525

POMONA – A 65-year-old man was charged today with multiple counts of child molestation for allegedly fondling several students at an Azusa elementary school.

V. Cleon Harper (dob 07/02/42) is charged in case No. KA082693 with nine counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of 14. The defendant -- whose arraignment was put over today to April 18 at Pomona Superior Court, Department N -- is being held in lieu of $1million bail.

On March 21, while working as a substitute teacher at WR Powell Elementary School in Azusa, Harper inappropriately touched a number of male and female victims, authorities allege. The incident took place over a span of an hour and a half, police said.

If convicted of all counts, Harper faces a maximum sentence of 24 years in state prison. Deputy District Attorney Miji Vellakkatel of Pomona Branch Office was assigned to prosecute the case.

smd

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