Think You Can Spot a Molester Out of a Crowd? Here Are Four Reasons Why We Disagree
Summary: A Placentia HS teacher was recently arrested on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with her former female student.
Earlier this week, Rebecca Diebolt was arrested on suspicion she had begun a sexual relationship in 2004 with her-then 15-year-old student and maintained the relationship with the girl until after she enrolled in college. The fling started while Diebolt was the girl’s language arts teacher and swim/water polo coach. The relationship was ‘carried out’ both on the school’s grounds and Diebolt’s house; the charges include copulation and penetration of the underage girl.
The worse thing about the Diebolt sex case is how “normal” she seems to be, and how much of a surprise it came to those that knew her. Here are three interesting yet disturbing facts:
- Diebolt is a mother, married to her high-school sweetheart – and currently pregnant with a third child (she has two daughters, ages 3 and 1). Other than her husband, those that were the most surprised about her arrest were her colleagues that had just attended her baby shower.
- She was seemingly a stalwart in her community – along with teaching, she was also a sports coach. Both placed her in a special place of trust in the school and community.
- She also runs a photography business and a blog.
- Nobody seems to believe she committed the crime, according to these tweets.
Assuming that Diebolt is guilty of her charges, her case underscores the sad reality in teacher child sexual abuse cases – most abusers are seemingly everyday people in our community, and incredibly difficult to point out. The police have since reached out to any additional victims to come forward; the victim in the Diebolt case very well might be the only one, but the potential for additional victims given her placement within the community, along with her secondary profession, is a scary proposition.
If your child, or a child you know is a victim of sexual abuse, contact your local police department and report it. To find out more about the victim’s legal rights, contact Estey & Bomberger today to get a free consultation at (800) 925-0723 or via email at info@estey-bomberger.com.
Sources:
California teacher arrested for having ‘multiple sex encounters’ with female student
Placentia teacher arrested, suspected of having sex with student
Rebecca Eileen Diebolt, Accused of Sex with Female Student, is Pregnant: Fellow Teachers
Married Southern California Teacher Accused Of 4-Year Fling With Female Student, 15