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1 Accuser Recants Story in Miramonte Sex Abuse Case

Martin Springer's charges revolve around just one Miramonte student now

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 8, 2012 11:06 AM CST

(Newser) – Two students initially accused Miramonte Elementary School teacher Martin Bernard Springer of fondling them, but one has since recanted her story, law enforcement sources tell the Los Angeles Times. Springer, one of two teachers accused of sexually abusing Miramonte students, was charged with three counts of committing lewd acts yesterday, but those charges involve just one female student since the other one changed her story.

Springer, who has pleaded not guilty, was arrested just days after fellow Miramonte teacher Mark Berndt was also arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing students. A third teacher at the school, this one female, has now been implicated in the scandal; a lawyer believes she may have led victims to Berndt's room. Click for more on that.

This image provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department shows Martin B. Springer, 49, who was arrested Feb. 3, 2012 in Los Angeles.
This image provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department shows Martin B. Springer, 49, who was arrested Feb. 3, 2012 in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles County Sheriff, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
cantsufferfools
Feb 8, 2012 12:14 PM CST
If anyone else wonder's why new teachers last an average of five years before quitting, here's part of your answer, along with the low pay, disrespect, and attack from the Right.
JoeQ
Feb 8, 2012 12:11 PM CST
Abuse allegations have become the modern day equivalent of the Salem witch trials.
pg13
Feb 8, 2012 11:30 AM CST
I hope the accusations were false.   It reminds me of that crazy sex scandal in the 70's or 80's where the parents got a hysteria and coached all the kids into accusing the mother & son of having group sex with all the kids. McMartin pre-school.
 

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