San Fernando Valley Middle School Teacher Charged With Molestation

VAN NUYS, CA — A San Fernando Valley middle school teacher pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of molesting two students. In the meantime, Los Angeles Police Department detectives are urging additional potential victims to come forward.

Kareen Spann, a 46-year-old 8th-grade teacher at Louis Armstrong Middle School in Sherman Oaks has been charged with lewd act upon a child and child molestation, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

One relationship began in April with inappropriate communication known as grooming, investigators allege. It quickly progressed to molestation, according to the District Attorney's Office.

In a second case involving another child, Spann allegedly sexually assaulted a second child during lunch time on school property, the District Attorney's Office contends.

"Children deserve to feel safe and secure in their environment, and it is the responsibility of adults to protect them from any form of abuse or exploitation," District Attorney George Gascón said in a written release. "These types of crimes against vulnerable students are sickening and a violation of trust."

Multiple students reported ongoing inappropriate sexual conduct by Spann, prompting police to urge additional alleged victims to come forward. Spann is a resident of Burbank.

"A photograph of Spann is being released to identify and speak with additional persons who have been victimized by Spann," the LAPD announced.

Los Angeles Police Department detectives are continuing to investigate the case and potential victims are asked to call investigators at 818-374-5415, according to the District Attorney's Office.