High School Dance Teacher Arrested

Anthony Angellano is suspected of having sexual contact with at least two students

A Peninsula High School dance teacher was arrested Monday on charges he allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a female student four years ago, said police.

Anthony Angellano, 36, of Wilmington is also suspected of having a sexual relationship with another female student, said police. The alleged incident happened 11 years ago, according to police.

However, charges will not be filed in that case because the statute of limitations has lapsed, according to investigators.

A former student contacted detectives back in August claiming she and Angellano had been involved in a sexual relationship while she was a student at Peninsula High School, said LAPD Lt. David McGill.

The alleged sexual relationship occurred in 2006 and 2007, according to investigators. At the time, the student was 16 and 17 years old. Angellano was 31 years old at the time.

Police said the alleged crimes occurred at Angellano's Wilmington home. So far police have not found any evidence that indicates Angellano had been involved in inappropriate relationships with current students.

Last week, the District Attorney's office filed five counts of oral copulation with a minor and one count of digital penetration with a minor against Angellano.

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“We believe him to have taken advantage of his position and been a predator on young people,” says LAPD Captain William Hayes.

The Palos Verdes Unified School District said police notified district officials about the investigation in October and school officials immediately removed Angellano from his job.

Angellano was placed on paid administrative leave. He will be put on unpaid leave once his arraignment is held, according to the district.

Angellano has taught dance at other locations, including the Torrance Cultural Arts Center and San Pedro City Ballet Company.

Detectives suspect there are more victims because of the time frame.

Angellano is being held on $350,000 bail.

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