Former Teacher Of The Year Accused Of Sex With Student

A California high school educator who was once honored with a “Teacher of the Year” award has been arrested for allegedly having sex with one of her students.

Michele Lynn Johnson was arrested last Wednesday for investigation of having sexual intercourse with a minor. The 45-year-old was released earlier this week after posting $20,000 bail.

Johnson, who is a math teacher at Brea Olinda High School, was placed on paid administrative leave after the allegations came out. If charges are filed, that will change to unpaid leave.

Dr. A.J. Roland, the superintendent of Brea Olinda Unified School District, said Johnson was restricted from being on the high school campus or at any other school sites.

“We are working very closely with the Brea Police Department on this issue,” Roland added.

In a letter to parents, students, and staff, Roland explained the “two separate paths and two separate investigations” that are involved when a teacher is accused of having sex with a student. In addition to working with the police department, the school will also work with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to determine if criminal charges will be filed. Roland said there is no projected timeline for this “potential legal action.”

Roland also said that a qualified substitute has been placed in the classroom for the remainder of the academic year.

“Our goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students and all staff,” Roland said. “When there is something that would potentially impact that prime directive, then we take action.”

The student’s father told police about the alleged sexual intercourse, and Johnson was arrested shortly afterward. The male student, whose age hasn’t been released, told authorities that he had sexual contact with Johnson more than once. Detectives said they are investigating the possibility of there being other victims. The high school has more than 1,900 students.

According to KABC, Johnson, a married mother of two, won a “Teacher of the Year” award in 2009.