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Davis School District Moving To Dismiss Teacher Accused Of Sexual Battery

DAVIS (CBS13) - The Davis Joint Unified School District is moving ahead with dismissing a long time teacher accused of sexual battery against a student.

Police say the John O'Brien, who teaches junior high school science, is accused of inappropriately touching a 16-year-old boy over the top of his clothes while the two were at the teen's Davis home in September.

District superintendent Winfred Roberson says O'Brien had been on unpaid leave since police notified them of the allegations two months ago. At a press conference Monday, Roberson says results from an internal investigation led the district to take a more permanent action...

"The board of education has begun dismissal proceedings with the intent of terminating Mr. O'Brien's employment. The details of any internal personnel investigation are confidential to protect privacy of those involved. They generally involve careful examination all aspects of professional conduct," said Roberson. "I am confident that we responded appropriately based on the information from our own internal investigation."

O'Brien was taken into custody on Friday after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was later released by police.

According to investigators, at one point O'Brien was the victim's mentor and befriended him while he was a junior high school student.

O'Brien has been employed with the district for nearly 15 years.

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