Peninsula Teacher Arrested on Suspicion of Sexually Assaulting Student

BURLINGAME, CA- A 58-year-old former teacher was arrested Wednesday on suspicion that he sexually assaulted a Mills High School student in 2008 and 2009, though school district officials said the teacher resigned in 2008.

Police said detectives arrested Redwood City resident Ken Crowell at 11:02 a.m. in San Mateo County. Police could not provide a more specific location.

Lt. Jay Kiely said Burlingame police made the arrest because the alleged offenses occurred mainly in Burlingame.

Crowell was booked into the county jail, according to police.

San Mateo Union High School District Superintendent Kevin Skelly said in a statement that school officials are troubled and concerned about the allegations.

(Ken Crowell is seen in this YouTube video from 2011)

"The emotional and physical safety of our students is paramount to the entire SMUHSD community," Skelly said. "The SMUHSD does not tolerate in any way sexual assault or inappropriate relationships with our students. Any allegations of this nature are swiftly and immediately investigated by the school in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies."

"On behalf of the entire district team, I want to assure our students and their families that your teen is safe when they come to school," Skelly said.

"We have and will continue to do everything within our power to protect our young people from harm," Skelly said. "Please know that this allegation against a former teacher is highly unusual."

Skelly added that school officials will continue to cooperate with Burlingame police in the investigation. Anyone with more information about the case is being asked to get in touch with Burlingame police, police said.

— By Bay City News Service.