Monday, March 12, 2007

Riverside, CALIFORNIA

Mar 9, 2007 - "Jim" Cook, **62, was charged with sexually assaulting a minor. Authorities issued a $50,000 arrest warrant. He was a teacher at Butterfield Elementary School.

The charges come from an Oct complaint in Riverside from a minor who accused Cook of molesting her, The victim reported the incident shortly after it occurred, and "Riverside police recently discovered an earlier complaint in Moreno Valley last year." The charges and the complaint are unrelated to an April 2006 complaint at Butterfield Elementary in Moreno Valley.

During that incident, several parents accused Cook of fondling and molesting students in his classroom during the school day. Four parents have filed a lawsuit against Cook and the school district alleging negligence. The 2006 criminal complaint is still under review by the district attorney's office. [Still reviewing since April 2006? No links to any prior stories.]
** Full Name: Ursulo "Jim" Vaughn Cook, James Vaughn Cook, Ursulo James Cook, Jim Vaughn Cook
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UPDATE (June 24, 2008) - A Preliminary Hearing was held on April 18, 2008 where the court found sufficient cause to hold the defendant to answer on all charges. He was arraigned on May 8, 2008 and pleaded not guilty to all charges. A Jury Trial is scheduled for 09/15/2008.
Case RIF135372 Defendant 1460843