Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — David Starr Jordan Middle School at 420 South Mariposa Street in Burbank
A well-respected and former Jordan Middle School teacher remains behind bars today, while Burbank Police investigate allegations she had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old male student last year. 33-year-old Amy Beck, wearing handcuffs, appeared in Burbank Superior Court yesterday. Beck was due to be arraigned on charges of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 16, but the arraignment was postponed until March 25, 2010.
In one of several strange twists to this case, Beck did not attempt to post the $175,000 bail. Her attorney, Michael Williamson, says his client “…thinks it will be best..” that she stays in jail to better cooperate with the police probe into the charges.
Last Friday Beck, a sixth grade teacher, turned in her resignation at Jordan Middle School. The unidentified victim was enrolled at Jordan during the alleged sexual affair that went on for several months. On Monday, Beck surrendered to Burbank police and earlier reports say she confessed to having sexual contact with the minor. Beck is married with children.
If found guilty, Beck faces up to seven years in prison. Oddly, Burbank police will not release Beck’s booking photo. Burbank Police Information Officer, Sergeant Robert Quesada, told me “…we won’t be releasing a photo of Ms. Beck… we don’t consider Ms. Beck a danger to the community.” I can’t help but wonder if a male suspect were facing the same allegations would his booking photo be released?
