Barstow Principal Arrested For Allegedly Having Sex With 17-Year-Old Student

BARSTOW (CBSLA.com) — Police have arrested a 35-year-old high school principal for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old female student.

Mark Lesley Hassell, who heads Barstow Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy, was taken into police custody Friday after a school administrator was tipped off Tuesday about the alleged relationship, the Barstow Police Department reported.

He was booked at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Barstow Jail on charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, sodomy and oral copulation.

Detectives interviewed the alleged victim, who confirmed she and Hassell had been involved in a "consensual sexual relationship for some time."

Investigators reportedly obtained additional evidence that the two were in a sexual relationship.

Barstow Unified School District has placed Hassell on non-disciplinary paid leave until police conclude their investigation. The district announced he's been told to stay away from all district students, employees and campuses.

Anyone with information pertaining to the investigation was asked to contact Det. Keith Libby at (760) 255-5134 or the Barstow Police Department at (760) 256-2211. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the WeTip Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME or at www.wetip.com.