Detectives Seek Additional Victims of Sexual Assault NR24298kt

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division Abused Child Section is seeking the public’s help to identify additional victims after arresting a 43-year-old woman for child molestation.

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, LAPD detectives arrested Colleen Jo Matarico, a resident of Valley Village in Los Angeles, for 288(A) PC – Lewd Acts with a Minor, she was given booking number 6914120 and is being held on $1.3 million bail. Matarico, a teacher, groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old victim in her classroom, and later convinced the victim to have sexual intercourse in her vehicle.

The investigation was presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office who filed the following:

– (5)-Counts of 288(a) PC-Lewd Acts with a Minor
– (2) counts of 288(c)(1) PC-Lewd Acts with a Minor 14 or 15 years old
– (1) count of 11353 H&S-Furnishing Marijuana to a Minor.

Detectives believe there are additional, unidentified victims of Matarico who have yet to come forward. A photograph of Matarico is being released to identify and speak with any additional victims.

Detectives are asking anyone who may be a victim or has additional information regarding Colleen Jo Matarico to contact Juvenile Division detectives at 424-259-7097. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.