Arraignment Postponed For Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student On Her Chest

RIVERSIDE (CBS) —  Arraignment was postponed Thursday for an Eastvale teacher accused of kissing a female student on her chest and head.

Stephen James Wolford, 48, is charged with one count each of committing lewd acts on a child and annoying a child under 18 years old.

The Lake Elsinore man, who is free on $25,000 bail, was scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before Riverside County Superior Judge James T. Warren. But Wolford's attorney requested a delay for unspecified reasons.

The prosecution did not object.

Warren rescheduled the hearing for next Wednesday.

Wolford, who works at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, was arrested in December following an investigation by Riverside County sheriff's detectives.

According to a declaration filed in support of an arrest warrant executed by sheriff's Investigator Joel Pabelico, a student at Roosevelt alleged that Wolford kissed her just above the left breast while speaking with her alone after class last May.

The girl, whose identity was not released, also alleged that on four separate occasions, Wolford kissed her on the forehead.

Pabelico said witnesses corroborated the allegations and related that "Wolford focused his attention (on the victim) and made comments to her and her friends," allegedly saying, "`You're my daughters. I'll take care of you."'

Michael Lin, the Norco-Unified School District assistant superintendent of Human Resources, told reporters that Wolford is on mandatory unpaid leave. His status will not change until his case is adjudicated, according to Lin.

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