'Rather than advising them, she was abusing them': LA school counselor accused of sex crime

A woman working as a Los Angeles high school guidance counselor is facing multiple sexual assault charges and authorities say there may be more victims.

Julie Tichon worked at YULA High School in West Los Angeles but is no longer employed there, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release Tuesday.

The 37-year-old guidance counselor was arrested Aug. 29 and charged in connection to multiple sexual assaults on a 16-year-old boy, the police department said in the news release. The alleged assaults took place between February and March of this year. 

She was booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center and charged with engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is more than three years younger than the perpetrator.

The Los Angeles Superior Court released Tichon and she has a hearing on Nov. 1, police said.

It was not immediately clear who was representing Tichon in court.

Detective says counselor used job to get close to victims

"The suspect used her position of responsibility to gain these victims' trust, then began inappropriate sexual relationships with them," said LAPD Det. Russ Hess in the news release. "Rather than advising them, she was abusing them."

If convicted, Tichon faces a maximum of five years in prison. Authorities said she has only been charged in the assault of one victim but investigators say there may be more victims.

Detectives ask that anyone with information contact Hess at (213) 473-0561. 

Calls can also be directed to 1-877-527-3247. Those who want to report tips anonymously can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her atsdmartin@usatoday.com.