2 years ago
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, CA - A Lathrop teacher has been arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious acts with children under 14 years of age.
Michael Berchtold, 32, of French Camp surrendered to detectives Wednesday afternoon. The arrest warrant alleges two counts of lewd or lascivisious acts on a minor and three counts of annoying or molesting a child.
Berchtold taught third grade at Joseph Widmer, Jr. Elementary School in Lathrop. Investigators said there were three female victims, ages 8 and 9, who were enrolled at the school at the time of the incidents.
Manteca school district administrators say Berchtold has not been placed on leave since school is out for summer. If the investigation is not concluded by the start of school he will be placed on leave.
Administrators assume the acts took place on school campus but are not certain if it was during school hours. The accusations were brought on the last day of school by a student in Berchtold's class.
Detectives said Berchtold has also been involved in Lathrop area youth programs, including youth sports and church activities.
The investigation is continuing, detectives say.
News10/KXTV
