People v. Aldana CA4/3

FACTS

In the late 2000’s, Gabriella R.’s parents, Susan and Todd R., were in the midst of a contentious divorce. Gabriella lived with her mother and sister in a house in a gated community, but she seemed to be struggling. In 2009, Gabriella told her middle school teacher her cousin sexually “abuse[d]” and “molest[ed]” her when the cousins were about five years old. A social worker questioned Gabriella about the incident and prepared a report, but no action was taken. Gabriella also reported Todd to social services for physical abuse, but the report was deemed unfounded. In the fall of 2010, Gabriella entered a local Catholic high school as a 13- year-old freshman. Aldana was then a 37-year-old soccer coach and Spanish teacher at the school. Aldana was a popular teacher, and Gabriella developed a crush on him. In December 2011, Gabriella, with Susan’s support, accused Aldana of molesting her. Gabriella met with Orange County Sheriff’s Detective Margie Sheehan, and she submitted to an interview with the Child Abuse Services Team (CAST). Gabriella’s Statement & Testimony According to Gabriella, Aldana paid attention to her during her freshman year. He touched her shoulders, gave her…