Bay Area Teacher Accused Of Molesting Middle School Student

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA — A Mountain View middle school teacher is accused of molestation and false imprisonment after a student alleged he inappropriately touched her, according to police.

Investigators said the 12-year-old girl notified staffers at Graham Middle School of inappropriate conduct last month. The Mountain View Whisman School District placed the teacher on administrative leave while police investigated the allegations.

According to police, detectives interviewed the girl and other students who were potential victims or witnesses to the behavior. Police said the investigation provided sufficient evidence for an arrest warrant.

The department identified the suspect Wednesday as Ralph Turner, 59, of Sunnyvale. Officers arrested Turner without incident and booked him into jail on suspicion of annoying and molesting a child under 14 and false imprisonment.

According to police, detectives are concerned there may be more victims in the case and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact investigators.