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Teacher Faces 17 Felony Charges For Alleged Sexual Relationship With Student

DIAMOND BAR (CBS) — A middle school teacher is facing 17 felony charges for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student.

Steven Andrews, 41, is accused of having a relationship with a female student at Lorbeer Elementary School in Diamond Bar.

The victim told detectives with the Special Victims Bureau at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department that her friendship with Andrews became sexual last April and continued for five months.

An assistant principal at a nearby school recently reported the relationship to authorities and investigators say Andrews surrendered to them on Sept. 30.

"Pomona Unified School District became aware of the allegations against Steven Andrews on September 28, when authorities came to our Lorbeer campus. The District immediately acted to assure student safety and placed Mr. Andrews on Administrative Leave. Further the District provided communication to parents and families regarding the allegations," Superindendent of Schools Richard Martinez said in a statement.

"Pomona Unified School District and Lorbeer Middle School entrusted students to a credentialed teacher who has been arrested on allegations of sexual misconduct. Our District, staff and school community are disheartened by this situation. We are fully committed to provide continued support for students who may wish or need counselors. Our focus now is to continue to maintain an educationally sound and supportive school environment for all students as we move beyond this unfortunate situation. The District administration will cooperate with the ongoing investigation."

The victim was a student at Lorbeer, but has since graduated.

Andrews, who also served as ASB adviser to students, is being held on $450,000 bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility.

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