Police believe that an Antioch middle school teacher has fled to Mexico amidst accusations that he inappropriately touched an eighth-grade boy and made lewd comments to other boys, Antioch police Lt. Leonard Orman said today.
Charles Redmond, a 63-year-old Pittsburg resident who taught at Park Middle School in Antioch, allegedly touched the boy on May 23. Police noted that the alleged touching was over the boy's clothing. The boy told his parents about the incident when he got home and his parents reported it to police that evening, Orman said.
Detectives have also learned that Redmond allegedly made inappropriate comments to other male students at the school, Orman said.
The school was notified of the allegations Friday morning, Park Middle School Principal Didi Del Chiaro said. She said Redmond, who taught art and had worked for the school since 1984, did not show up at the school on Friday.
After detectives began investigating the case, Redmond allegedly left a note for his family and is believed to have fled to Mexico, police said.
A $100,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest on suspicion of intent to commit lewd or lascivious acts with a minor.
Orman said that if formal charges are filed against Redmond, investigators could begin working with the justice department and Mexican authorities to have him extradited from Mexico.
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Del Chiaro said the school was working with police to help in their investigation and that Redmond has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the completion and outcome of the investigation.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Robert Green at (925) 779-6932.
