School counselor charged in alleged sex assault; LAPD searches for more victims

The Los Angeles Police Department urged people on Tuesday to contact detectives if they have any information on a former high school guidance counselor, who allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy in West Los Angeles.

Investigators arrested 37-year-old Julie Tichon, of Los Angeles, on Aug. 29 for a series of sexual assaults of the teen boy between February and March of 2024, according to police. She was booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center on suspicion of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and was subsequently released on her own recognizance, LAPD said in a statement. 

“On September 19th, 2024, the Office of the District Attorney filed three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and one count of oral copulation of a person under 18,” police said. 

Tichon was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to the District Attorney’s Office. 

Even though she was charged with assaulting one victim, investigators believe there may be more students who haven’t come forward that can potentially add to the case, according to police. 

“Educators and school staff have a fundamental duty to create a safe environment for all students, and when that trust is broken, it affects the entire community. Our office is dedicated to seeking justice for the victim and holding this individual fully accountable. To every victim and family affected by such crimes, please know that we stand with you and will continue to fight for your safety and justice,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement.

Tichon worked as a guidance counselor at YULA High School in West L.A., but police said she has since left the school. 

"The suspect used her position of responsibility to gain these victims' trust, then began inappropriate sexual relationships with them," LAPD Detective Russ Hess said in a statement. "Rather than advising them, she was abusing them."

Tichon is due back in court on Nov. 1, 2024. If convicted as charged, Tichon could face a maximum of five years in prison, according to police. 

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Detective Hess at 213-473-0561. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 877-LAPD-247. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous may also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS, or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Anyone with tips also has the option to download the “P3 Tips” app and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.