Former Abbotsford Teacher Charged With Sexual Assault Appears in Court for Violating Terms of his Bond
Tuesday, March 11th, 2014 -- 7:00 AM
-A former Abbotsford teacher that had a sexual relationship with some of his female students appeared in Clark County Court Monday afternoon for violating terms of his bond.Back in January, the Abbotsford Police Department began an investigation into allegations that 25-year-old Andy Follen had an inappropriate relationship with some of his female students. Follen had resigned from the school district just prior to the beginning of the investigation. An officer interviewed two female students that admitted they had engaged in sexual activities with Follen.
Now, it was discovered that Follen violated the terms of his bond by directly calling one of his victims, in which he told the victim?s mother that he was somebody else, and he spoke with her online. During the online conversation, Follen allegedly tried to persuade her to change her story. Judge John Counsel said that his action could indicate guilt or avoidance. The new charges of bail jumping and intimidating a victim join the five counts of sexual assault of a student by a school staff member already filed against him.
Clark County?s District Attoney, Lyndsey Boon-Brunette asked that Follen?s bond for the original case increase to $5,000 from $2,500 and asked for a $10,000 bond for the new charges. She also questioned his community ties as Follen allegedly told the girl he contacted that he loves her, wants to see her again before she turns 18 and wants to be with her. Follen?s attorney, John Stichert, said that was extreme and harsh. He stated that Follen was employed, after having a hard time finding a new job, and that he still has strong family support and community ties and he's learned his lesson.
In the end, Judge Counsel left the original bond the same and set a $7,500 bond for this case. He stated that Follen needs to wake up and follow the rules and understand the absolute that is no. Follen will appear in court again in March for both cases.
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