OC Mother Fights Visitation Rights For Husband Suspected Of Lewd Acts With Students

ORANGE (CBSLA.com) — An Orange County mother is fighting her estranged husband in court, asking that he be prohibited from unsupervised visits with their children due to his status as an accused sex offender.

Marie Reeder was barely 18 weeks pregnant when her husband was arrested on suspicion of lewd acts with a child. Police allege that Zachary Reeder, a former history teacher at Servite, convinced over 100 boys to send him lewd pictures by setting up an online profile as a young woman.

"To think that you have this type of life, and to have it shattered," Marie said. "Now I have to pick up the pieces."

Reeder is now fighting a petition in Orange County Family Law Court, filed by her husband, asking for overnight visits with their five-month old son and three-year-old daughter.

"I would not put her at risk in any way," Zachary Reeder stated about his daughter, according to court documents. "She is too young to understand why I am suddenly missing from her life. It's imperative for our son to know who is father is."

He goes on to say that his wife's anger has "blinded her parental judgement" and that she has put the children into the spotlight.

"I've not said they can't see him," Maria said. "I just want them protected."

If convicted, Zachary faces at least 40 years in prison.