L.A. teacher to face charges in sex case

A 42-year-old teacher at Roosevelt High School accused of having sexual relationships with two teenage students is scheduled to face criminal charges in court on Thursday.

Gabriela Cortez, of Montebello, was taken into custody last month by Montebello police after they interviewed two teenage male students with whom she allegedly had sexual relationships in recent years.

Cortez faces six felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.

One of the teens reported the alleged crime to police after the teacher broke off the relationship, officials said. A subsequent investigation uncovered a second alleged victim, police said. Both are now legally adults, officials said.

FULL COVERAGE: Teacher sex-abuse investigations

Officials said Montebello police investigated the case because many of the alleged illegal acts occurred in Cortez's home. Detectives said they suspect Cortez may have prior victims and that they are continuing the investigation.

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-- Richard Winton

Photo: Gabriela Cortez. Credit: Montebello Police Department