June 2, 2023 - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced yesterday that an 8th grade middle school teacher from Louis Armstrong Middle School in Sherman Oaks has been charged with lewd act upon a child and child molestation.

“Children deserve to feel safe and secure in their environment, and it is the responsibility of adults to protect them from any form of abuse or exploitation. These types of crimes against vulnerable students are sickening and a violation of trust,” District Attorney Gascón said. “It is important that children know they are safe at school and the adults who are charged to care for them will protect them rather than prey on their innocence.”

Kareen Spann, (dob 2/17/77) was charged in case LA099321 with one felony count of lewd act upon a child under age 14 and one misdemeanor count of child molesting.

The defendant was arraigned this morning and pleaded not guilty.

He will return to court on June 21 in Department 109 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Van Nuys Branch.

Investigators say in April 2023, Spann, a teacher, allegedly started having inappropriate communication with a student which led to grooming. The grooming led to inappropriate and unlawful touching.

That same month, Spann allegedly sexually assaulted a second child during lunch time on school property.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department. Anyone who may be a victim of the suspect is encouraged to come forward to report their experience to law enforcement at (818) 374-5415.

Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney