Smith was one of ten finalists for Teacher of the Year in San Diego County this year.
Arraignment Canceled for Chula Vista Teacher Accused of Sex Crimes
Prosecutors did not file charges Wednesday against the freshman English teacher accused of engaging in sexual activity with a teen on school grounds
By Artie Ojeda, Lauren Steussy, R. Stickney and Monica Garske
NBC 7 San Diego
Nov 1, 2012
The scheduled arraignment of a Chula Vista High School teacher accused of having sex with a minor was canceled as prosecutors considered whether to press charges.
Terrance Smith, 32, was arrested Monday and accused of 14 charges of sexual abuse, including oral copulation on a female CVHS student, said Lt. Gary Wedge with the Chula Vista Police Department.
However, just before a scheduled arraignment, prosecutors canceled the hearing saying the charges are still under review.
No charges have been filed against Smith as of 1 p.m. Wednesday.
“At the very least it's encouraging they are doing their homework instead of making a rush to judgment," said Smith's defense attorney David Shapiro in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The alleged activity happened between 2006 and 2008, starting when the victim was 16 years old, according to the victim's mother, who reported Smith to police this week. The former student was not his student and is no longer a minor, Wedge said Tuesday.
"We interviewed the former student," Wedge said. "She is now an adult, and during that interview she disclosed a number of sexual acts that occurred over a two year period."
...Smith, right, taught 9th grade English and was one of ten finalists for Teacher of the Year in San Diego County this year.
Smith has been placed on paid administrative leave after being turned over to police at the Sweetwater Union High School District offices, district officials said.
"We can't believe someone like Mr. Smith would do that," said Josue Garcia, a former student of Smith's. "The way we know him, the way he is, we would always go to him for advice and everything. We never thought he would do that."
The students have also expressed their support on social media, calling for other students to attend the rally and wear white in support of Smith.
Since the District Attorney's office did not charge Smith on Wednesday, he was released from San Diego Central Jail.
On Wednesday night, he was able to return home with his family. Smith was able to avoid NBC 7 news cameras as he left jail.
Source: Arraignment Canceled for Chula Vista Teacher Accused of Sex Crimes | NBC 7 San Diego
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