Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- A West High School teacher who was acquitted on charges of sex with a student still could end up losing his job.
Last week Jose Fanjul was cleared of all criminal charges involving a 16-year-old female student. But the Salt Lake Tribune reports an investigation is under way to see if Fanjul should keep his teaching license. The professional bar for sanction and dismissal is lower than for a criminal conviction.
Carol Lear, an attorney who advises a professional licensing and conduct commission at the state Office of Education told the Tribune, "Just because a teacher is not guilty of a crime, doesn't mean he or she is entitled to be licensed."
A decision is expected later this summer.
Also, the Salt Lake School District will have to decide whether to fire him for professional misconduct or welcome him back to the classroom. Fanjul is on administrative leave without pay.
One student making their way toward West High Monday morning said, "We can't trust him anymore because he messed up."
But Fanjul's lawyer, Kenneth Brown, said he hopes the district reinstates his client. "If they don't, it will be their loss," he told the Tribune.
Some say testimony during trial of Fanjul sending e-mails, text messages and making phone calls to students shows inappropriate contact.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
