James Toland was probably very relieved in November when a Contra Costa County judge decided there was insufficient evidence for him to stand trial on charges of molesting three teen students in his Lafayette home. But he shouldn’t have been relieved, and, some would say, he doesn’t deserve any peace of mind.
Back in November, Judge John Sugiyama threw out the sexual assault charges after hearing testimony from the three teen boys. Sugiyama also listened to testimony from other students of Toland’s and vocal coaches who had worked with him. These witnesses suggested Toland might have touched the alleged victims in a way to improve their body position so that they would sing better.
Sugiyama said he found the teens credible but ruled there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Toland, who had also taught choir and music at Miramonte, Campolindo, and Acalanes high schools.
The District Attorney’s Office appealed Sugiyama’s ruling, and on Friday, the Contra Costa Times reports, a second judge agreed to reinstate nine of the 10 original molestation counts against Toland.
This is the second time that molestation charges against Toland have been reinstated. A year ago, prosecutors withdrew charges against Toland after Sugiyama agreed with a defense motion that Contra Costa County Sheriff’s investigators made misstatements and omissions in order to secure a warrant to search Toland’s computer. Prosecutors re-filed charges againt Toland in September.
Back in November, Judge John Sugiyama threw out the sexual assault charges after hearing testimony from the three teen boys. Sugiyama also listened to testimony from other students of Toland’s and vocal coaches who had worked with him. These witnesses suggested Toland might have touched the alleged victims in a way to improve their body position so that they would sing better.
Sugiyama said he found the teens credible but ruled there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Toland, who had also taught choir and music at Miramonte, Campolindo, and Acalanes high schools.
The District Attorney’s Office appealed Sugiyama’s ruling, and on Friday, the Contra Costa Times reports, a second judge agreed to reinstate nine of the 10 original molestation counts against Toland.
This is the second time that molestation charges against Toland have been reinstated. A year ago, prosecutors withdrew charges against Toland after Sugiyama agreed with a defense motion that Contra Costa County Sheriff’s investigators made misstatements and omissions in order to secure a warrant to search Toland’s computer. Prosecutors re-filed charges againt Toland in September.
7 comments:
Not sure what to think about this. Why does the DA need to keep filing charges? is the a witchhunt, or this guy really a predator?
What's going on with this judge Sugiyama? he seems like he's siding with perverts.
Hey Soccer Mom,
Are you siding with this pervert?
Let's not jump the gun, geez.
I thought that there were quite a few parents who vocally supported this teacher. I can't remember.
He is a predator.
Do you know this from personal experience?
Having viewed the various hearings and the testimony, this was a total witch hunt. Still to this day nobody else has come forward with a complaint, and the original complaint was nothing. It does happen. Those of us in education all are afraid of things like this happening to us.
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