BY AMELIA BISCARDI
Daily Post Staff Writer
A second alleged victim has come forward to accuse a Ravenswood City School District employee of child molestation, a prosecutor said Thursday.
James Edward Fitch, 54, of Stockton, allegedly asked the second alleged victim, also a student at the district, for a hug, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. During the embrace, Fitch began touching the girl’s behind, the DA said.
The victim said she was uncomfortable and told him she didn’t want his hugs anymore. Three days later, Fitch hugged the girl again in a similar manner, the DA said.
Police are still investigating whether there are additional victims of Fitch, who worked for the district as a campus relations coordinator since 1996. But since a second victim has come forward, the DA’s office can seek life in prison if Fitch is convicted.
The allegations against Fitch came to light after his wife discovered his inappropriate relationship with a seventh grader at Ravenswood Cesar Chavez Middle School, Wagstaffe said.
Fitch was caught by his wife when she saw pictures of the victim and texts between him and the girl on his phone, Wagstaffe said. For about a year, Fitch allegedly would take the girl to his office, touch her inappropriately, and would ask the victim for sex almost every day, Wagstaffe said.
Police started an investigation into Fitch on Sept. 6 after learning that he had engaged in inappropriate behavior with a student at Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School, located at 2450 Ralmar Ave., according to a statement from police Cmdr. David Santos.
Fitch was placed on leave as soon as the district learned of the allegations, according to a statement from Superintendent Gina Sudaria.
Fitch had been in jail in lieu of $500,000, but has since bailed out. He is due back in court on Oct. 29.
Be the first to comment