School Employee Arrested for Sexually Molesting School Children

Van Nuys – On Friday June 9, 2000, uniformed officers from Van Nuys Community Police Station responded to a radio call of a Child Molestation Suspect, at Kester Elementary School, located at the 5300 Block of Kester Avenue in Van Nuys. After conducting a preliminary investigation, officers arrested William Lester Thomas II, of Van Nuys. Thomas is an employee of the Los Angeles Unified School District. At the time of the arrest, there were six victims.

On Monday, June 12, 2000, detectives assigned to Van Nuys Operations Support Division, conducted a follow-up investigation at Kester Elementary and located five additional victims. All the incidents occurred on LA Unified School District property. The case was presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s (DA’s) Office and as a result, the DA’s Office filed 11 counts of 288(a) PC – Lewd Act with a Child. The victims were all females, ranging in age from 9 to 11.

Bail is set for $550,000.00. The Sex Crimes Unit, Van Nuys Operations Support Division, is conducting this investigation.

For further information regarding this case, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Detective II Felicia Crockett, Van Nuys Operations Support Division.

For Release 2:00 pm PDT
June 14, 2000