Palo Alto High teacher arrested for allegedly molesting student

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KTVU) - A high school teacher was arrested for committing sex crimes against a 15-year-old student.

According to the Palo Alto Police Department, 46-year-old Ronnie Farrell, a science teacher at Palo Alto High School, was the victim's biology teacher.

According to investigators, Farrell asked the female victim to meet him at the school at 9 a.m. The victim often helped teachers with chores in the classrooms, so she agreed to meet him.

When they were alone, investigators say Farrell put his hands under the victims clothes and touched her breasts. He also allegedly took one of her hands and placed it on his groin over his clothes.

The teen's parent reported the incident to police. The suspect continued to communicate with the teen on social media.

Farrell arranged to meet with the teen on June 15. Detectives arrived instead and took Farrell into custody.

Farrell was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail for four felony charges which include child molestation, sexual battery, communicating with a minor.

Detectives are not aware of additional victims. Anyone who believes that their child may be a victim is asked to call 650-329-2413.