EX-TEACHER CHARGED IN BOY'S MOLESTATION.

Byline: JOSH KLEINBAUM Staff Writer

CHATSWORTH - A former teacher at Sierra Canyon School was free on bail Thursday following his arrest on suspicion of molesting a boy, authorities said.

Thomas Edward Jukes, 32, of Canoga Park, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of molesting at least one boy from the time he was 5 until he was 13, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. He was released after posting $100,000 bail.

Jukes was a computer instructor at Sierra Canyon School, teaching children ages 12 and 13, and also was a coach in the Valley Christian Athletic Association.

Jukes, who lives in a corner apartment with an American flag in the window, refused to open his door Thursday afternoon.

"I'm not talking to anybody at this time," he said.

The FBI began investigating Jukes in March, when a mother - who had installed parental-control software on the family's computer - discovered her son, a student at Sierra Canyon, chatting with Jukes on the Internet.

"The mother reported it," Eimiller said. "On further investigation, we discovered that the suspect molested at least one individual."

Head of School Ann Gillinger refused to comment, but spokesman Martin Cooper said Jukes was fired on March 6 because of the Internet chat.

The school also sent a letter to all parents Thursday explaining the situation and asking them to contact police if their children had been approached by Jukes in an inappropriate manner.

"We're not aware of any instance where he had improper physical contact with any Sierra Canyon student," Cooper said. "The letter to parents reassures them that he's been gone (from the school) and tells them that we continue to have a paramount interest in the safety and security of our kids."

The FBI is searching for other potential victims. Anyone with information is asked to call [phone].

josh.kleinbaum(at)dailynews.com

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