LIVERMORE, Calif. —
A math teacher, who allegedly began a sexual relationship with a teenage student using Facebook and the ‘Words With Friend’ smartphone game app, has been charged with 24 counts of sexual assault and was being held on $1.85 million bail, authorities said.
Livermore police said the alleged victim revealed the relationship to another teacher at Granada High on Tuesday. Less than 24 hours later, Marie Johnson, 40, have been taken into custody.
The arrest has stunned the East Bay community.
“Something like this sends shock waves through the entire educational community,” said Kelly Bowers, Livermore school superintendent. “There are many people who become affected by this so we have a crisis team to supply for students and employees.”
The sexual assaults allegedly occurred numerous times during a six-month period beginning in December 2010 and ending in May 2011. The relationship was initially formed through text messages, Facebook and through instant messaging on the smartphone app "Words with Friends," police said.
Police said the assaults occurred primarily inside Johnson's vehicle and other undisclosed locations in Livermore.
Police do not believe there were any other victims.
Those with additional information about the case are encouraged to call Livermore police at (925) 294-7531
