California Teacher Arrested in Sex Case

(La Mesa, California) A 22-year-old music teacher and band director at Helix High School, Jessica Ashley Kahal, was arrested today on suspicion of having sex with a 17-year-old male student.

Authorities were alerted after a teacher from another school told Douglas D. Smith, Helix High School principal, of the sexual relationship.

Subsequently, the alleged victim, a senior at the school, said that he had consensual sex with Kahal about five times in various areas of the county since August. Kahal resigned her position with the school last Friday.

The unmarried, childless Kahal was booked into Las Colinas women's jail in Santee on two counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Bail was set at $20,000.


[Update 12/07/07]

Kahal pleads guilty. Sentencing in February 2008.


[Update 02/14/08]

Kahal sentenced to probation.