LA Spanish teacher arrested, accused of sex with two teenage students

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Gabriela Cortez, 42

(Credit: CBS Los Angeles)

(CBS) MONTEBELLO, Calif. - Police have arrested a female Roosevelt High School Spanish teacher on suspicion of having sex with two of her students.

This is only the latest in a string of sexual scandals plaguing the Los Angeles Unified School District.

CBS Los Angeles reports that 42-year-old Gabriela Cortez was taken out of the classroom last week and into custody Wednesday, booked on suspicion of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, said police Lt. Luis Lopez.

Cortez was released after posting $140,000 bail and receiving an order to appear in court March 22.

The investigation of Cortez began on Feb. 15, when authorities were contacted "by a victim of an alleged sexual relationship involving him and a teacher," Lopez said. She said the man had wanted to "get things off his chest."

The alleged victim was a student at the time of the supposed interaction, but is now an adult, Lopez added.

The investigation triggered by the first accusations led to a "second victim" who "provided information regarding a sexual relationship involving him and the suspect," Lopez said, saying that he, too, is now an adult.

The Los Angeles Times reports that in the wake of the arrest, parents will receive automated calls Thursday in Spanish and English informing them of the incident. A letter will also be sent to the homes of students. Faculty members at the campus were to be briefed Thursday.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and said they suspect there may be additional victims.

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by insuranceChief March 9, 2012 6:37 AM EST: Gee, I wish I had a teacher like that when I was in Middle or High School

I would not consider myself a "victim"

I lost my virginity at age 13 with a 25 year old woman and I will always remember her with fond. I guess now a day she would be consider an "abuser"; Reply to this comment


by 14FREEK February 25, 2012 8:20 PM EST: she looks better than any of the hookers on my street. so why go for the kiddie pool?; Reply to this comment


by Martha12345 February 24, 2012 9:20 AM EST: Nothing will happen. The NEA will come to her aid and defend her.; Reply to this comment

by mecury69 February 24, 2012 9:04 AM EST

Equal rights, equal pay, equal punishment under the law.

She should be treated the same any 4o something man who is having sex with teenage female students. It is EXACTLY the same thing.

Want to change the laws, go ahead. Want to allow sexual intercourse between teachers and students, go ahead.

But the laws and ethical standards are what they are, so women need to be sent the message they will be held accountable for their actions just as a man would.

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by benunhappy February 25, 2012 8:53 AM EST: Held Accountable? Is that how you felt when hundreds of children were being sexually assaulted by PRIESTS of the CATHOLIC BUISNESS,the POPE should be held accountable for covering up and shifting around the ABUSERS.The clergy were so entertained with sex that they didn't realize that most of thier dues paying patrons were on birth control.Do they know how many men use male enhancement DRUGS or had vasectomies,guess thats ok as long as they can discriminate against women!I say EQUAL RIGHTS EQUAL PUNISHMENT UNER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED SATES OF AMERICA AND EACH NATION THAT THESE RAPIST PREACH!!!

by silveradocool February 24, 2012 12:05 AM EST

"He had to get this off his chest" he says. You can;t be serious. what a p++sy! You get to bang a hot teacher you become an adult now you start snitching. I'll tell you what happened he fell for her she told him l can't he got upset and started singing. What a wussy

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by mecury69 February 24, 2012 9:07 AM EST: Yea, he grew up and became a man then reported an illegal act as a responsible adult should.

When are you?


by mecanik-2009 February 23, 2012 10:22 PM EST: I think she's hot. Maybe I need to go back to school.; Reply to this comment


by FormerUSMCSergeant February 23, 2012 7:59 PM EST: Between pedophile teachers and stupid parents who allow their kids access to weapons, I'm thinking it's ging to be home schooling for my little girl.....; Reply to this comment

by dantom39 February 23, 2012 6:02 PM EST

Slap her wrist and send her back to teaching.

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by FormerUSMCSergeant February 23, 2012 8:02 PM EST: With your laissez-faire attitude regarding pedophilia, I'll assume you're Catholic......


by krustykanuck February 24, 2012 7:16 PM EST: With your lack of knowledge on Catholisism I'll assume you are ignorant. Thank goodness your not in the USMC with me any more.


by Jhihmoac February 23, 2012 4:50 PM EST: Whatever happened to "Manos fuera!"(Hands off)?; Reply to this comment


by mikethebarba February 23, 2012 4:06 PM EST: Well she is accused....Might as well write her remaining life off. With her picture on the net, she will be treated as guilty regardless of how it ends up. To be clear this doesn't say that I support her. It's just that when accused your screwed.; Reply to this comment