via Fox News
Aimee Palmitessa, a 45-year-old Chemistry teacher at Brentwood School in Los Angeles, has been arrested after she allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.
Palmitessa, 45, was arrested on Friday, August 19 and was booked in on felony charges at the city’s Metropolitan Detention Center. She posted bail of $230,000 and was released later the same day.
Palmitessa, who teaches biology at Brentwood School, has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology. She previously taught at Penn State Abington.
While details of the relationship and arrest have not been made public, Palmitessa is scheduled to appear in LA court on September 15.
Mike Riera, head of Brentwood School, informed parents of the arrest in a newsletter sent out on Saturday and said that officials were “shocked and distressed” over the allegations.
“The Los Angeles Police Department informed us yesterday afternoon that Upper School teacher, Dr. Aimee Palmitessa, had been arrested on suspicion of inappropriate relations with a Brentwood School student and is expected to face charges. … We immediately placed Dr. Palmitessa on administrative leave.
“As always, our primary concern is the safety, health and well-being of our students here at Brentwood School. To that end, we will do everything we can to cooperate with the official police investigation.”
Palmitessa began working at Brentwood School in 2010. Famous alumni include Patrick Schwarzenegger, Adam Levine, Jonah Hill, Ben Savage, and more. The school charges up to $40,760 a year for tuition
