DA: Former Tulare County teacher found guilty of child molestation

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A former teacher at a military academy in Porterville was found guilty of child molestation, according to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday.

According to the DA, the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center and TCDA sex crimes prosecutors secured a guilty verdict against James Van Norton, 45, for child molestation on Thursday.

The DA says Norton was convicted of three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse by a jury and 13 felony counts of lewd act upon a child aged 14. Each county, officials say, is enhanced with the special allegation that Van Norton was in a position of trust.

Officials say the crimes took place from August 2018 to March 2019 in Tulare County against a single minor victim. At the time of the crimes, Van Norton was employed as a teacher at the Porterville Military Academy.

According to the DA’s office, sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 6. Van Norton faces up to 14 years and eight months in state prison. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender for life.

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