Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office

09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 16:40

September 20, 2024: DA Gascón Announces Charges Against a West Los Angeles High School Guidance Counselor in Sexual Assault of Student

A high school guidance counselor is charged with having unlawful sex with a 16-year-old student multiple times between February and March 2024

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that West Los Angeles high school guidance counselor Julie Tichon is charged with having an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old male student between February and March 2024.

"Educators and school staff have a fundamental duty to create a safe environment for all students, and when that trust is broken, it affects the entire community. Our office is dedicated to seeking justice for the victim and holding this individual fully accountable. To every victim and family affected by such crimes, please know that we stand with you and will continue to fight for your safety and justice," said District Attorney Gascón.

Julie Elizabeth Tichon (DOB: 5/9/87) is charged in case 24ARCF01368 with three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger; and one felony count of oral copulation of a person under 18.

Between February and March 2024, Tichon allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a 16-year-old boy multiple times. Tichon no longer works at the school.

Tichon was arraigned on September 19 and pleaded not guilty to all charges. She was released by the court on her own recognizance. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled November 1 in Dept. W31 of the Airport Courthouse.

If convicted as charged, Tichon faces a maximum sentence of five years in state prison.

Investigators believe there are more victims of Tichon. Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Operations West Bureau Detective Brett Hopkins at 213-473-0447.

The case is being prosecuted by LADA's Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.