By Randy Economy
Brandon Hitchcock, a Downey High School teacher and girls track coach was arrested on charges that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor female student, Hews Media Group-Community Newspaper has learned from both the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
On October 9 the Downey PD was advised from a local school district official that teacher Hitchcock had engaged in a “possible inappropriate sexual relationship” with a student.
Downey Police Detectives immediately began an investigation into the allegations and on October 17, the 30-year-old Hitchcock was arrested and charged on 261.5 PC, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
Hitchcock, who is a resident of Lakewood, was charged with 15 felony counts: 10 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and 5 counts of oral copulation of a person under 18 in the case.
He was immediately placed on a leave of absence from his position at Downey High School.
Hitchcock was arraigned at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Downey in Department 6 and was held in custody for four days before being released.
Hitchcock is due to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on November 21.
Prosecutors said at the time of the crime Hitchcock was both a teacher and soccer coach at Downey High School and several students told reporters that he was “popular and well-liked by everyone.”
“Mr. Hitchcock is the coolest guy, everyone loves him around here,” said a student who identified himself at Mark told HMG-CN.
“This year, school staff were informed about an alleged inappropriate relationship between Hitchcock and a student. Administration alerted law enforcement and they immediately began an investigation,” said Sarah Ardalani, a representative with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The criminal complaint alleges that the defendant had sexual interactions with a female student over a seven-month period. If convicted as charged, Hitchcock faces a maximum sentence of almost 13 years in state prison.
Anyone with additional information regarding this crime, please contact Detective Joanne Yarbrough at (562) 904-2328.