Kareem Spann is being charged with alleged sexual misconduct involving two students.
Kareem Spann, a 46-year-old Burbank resident and former teacher at Sherman Oaks’ Louis Armstrong Middle School, entered a plea of not guilty
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrested Spann on Tuesday following multiple reports from students regarding ongoing inappropriate sexual contact. The LAPD released a statement confirming the arrest and the nature of the charges.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Spann faces one felony count of engaging in a lewd act with a child and one misdemeanor count of child molesting. The charges stem from two separate incidents.
Investigators found that Spann, an eighth-grade teacher, initiated inappropriate communication with a student in April, leading to a process known as grooming. Subsequently, this grooming escalated into unlawful and inappropriate physical contact, as stated by the District Attorney’s Office.
The second charge involves a different student and alleges that the crime occurred during lunchtime on school premises
Spann had been employed at Louis Armstrong Middle School during the academic year 2022-2023, according to LAPD reports. The Los Angeles police are currently investigating the case and urge any potential additional victims to contact law enforcement at 818-374-5415, as stated by the District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney George Gascon expressed his sentiments regarding the charges, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe environment for children. He condemned the crimes against vulnerable students, labeling them as sickening violations of trust. Gascon asserted that it is the responsibility of adults to protect children from any form of abuse or exploitation.
As the legal proceedings continue, Sherman Oaks and its surrounding communities are grappling with the shocking allegations made against a former teacher.
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