 "Photo: Samuel Oksner, Photo Editor | Valley Star")
Valley College Associate Professor Richard Torquato will be in a pretrial hearing at the Los Angeles Superior Court in Van Nuys Thursday stemming from molestation charges levied against him in the Fall 2009 semester.
The charges brought against Torquato are violations of Penal Code 243.4(E)(1), which involves sexual battery, Penal Code 647.6(A)(1), which is defined as molestation of any child under 18 years of age, and 273A (B), a charge of willfully causing a child to suffer any physical pain or mental suffering.
"Because the case is still in litigation we cannot comment at this time, but we can confirm the charges as such," said Los Angeles City Court Media Relations member Frank Mateljean.
Torquato's private counsel John Friedman had no comment for the Valley Star on Tuesday.Valley's Office of Compliance is also investigating the psychology professor.
"We're in early stages of an investigation, and we don't yet know when it will be solved,"said Valley President Sue Carleo.
According to Carleo, Torquato was placed on leave during the latter portion of last semester, but would neither confirm or deny whether the leave is paid. "He's on leave, let's just say that," Carleo said.
The arrest, according to Van Nuys courthouse documents, took place in November. The arrest was made on campus, but no details of the incident could be given at this time, according to Valley Deputy Ricky Baker.
"Anytime we're arresting somebody, there's probably some danger to the community," Baker said. "And yes, the arrest was made here on campus."
Due to privacy, very few details can be revealed at this time until the investigation regarding Torquato is closed and a judgment has been made.
"It's our responsibility as the college administration to make sure that we do fair and thorough investigations of all matters brought to our attention," said Carleo. "We don't sweep things under the carpet, it's just that a lot of times all parties involved have privacy rights."
Torquato earned his bachelor's degree from Williamette University in Salem, Oregon and received a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was hired at Valley in 1999.
Carleo said, "I think a general statement to everyone, faculty, staff, students, everyone, is that it is important to speak up."
is a member of the 
4 comments Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now