Martin Springer is the second man at a Los Angeles Elementary School to be arrested for sexual abuse. Springer, 49 was arrested on Friday for allegedly sexual abuse at Miramonte Elementary School. His arrest came after two seven year old students made accusations to the LA County Sheriff’s department.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed that Springer, an Alhambra resident has been arrested. KPCC is reporting that he is currently being held of $2 million bail. The officials however, will not comment on whether the two cases are connected. The students who have been questioned by police have stated that the two men were friends.
Earlier this week, Mark Berndt who also taught at Miramonte Elementary School was arrested at his Torrance California home. He stands accused of sexually abusing at least 23 students between 2008 and 2010. The students range in age between six and 10 years old. They are alleging that the abuse took place at the school during school hours.
Berndt has been charged with 23 criminal counts of suspicion of committing lewd acts upon a child. A film processor turned over 40 pictures to law enforcement officials to be included in the evidence against him. The pictures show Berndt taping the children’s mouths shut and letting live cockroaches crawl on their face. They also show Berndt feeding the children a clear liquid substance. Test results have identified the substance as semen.
Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. John Deasy spoke with reporters and informed them that Springer was removed from campus Friday after they learned of the allegations. Springer is expected to be fired early next week.
Maria Polanco has two children, six and10 who attend Miramonte Elementary School stated “I feel scared and sad about what happened but we have to send them to school. Education is very important so I have to keep them in school no matter what. We have to trust somebody if we want them to have an education, but I’m angry and mad that they didn’t do anything about it sooner.”
Numerous parents are disgusted and outraged at how the school dealt with the Berndt case. They are claiming that he was investigated 18 years ago after a student accused him of trying to fondle her. Berndt’s bail was set at $23 million, $1 million for every charge. If he’s convicted, he’s facing life in prison.
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