School officials were made aware of allegations against Robert Pimentel, a teacher arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse against 19 students, as early as 2008.

That according to L.A. Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy, who says a principal was removed after the system learned that nothing was done following a 2008 allegation against the 57-year-old from Newport Beach.

Pimentel's arrest …

… was announced last night by the LAPD.

His victims included 19 students and one adult, according to the department.

Pimentel taught fourth grade at George De La Torre Jr. Elementary School in Wilmington but was removed from the job in March after authorities say they first became aware of the allegations against him, according to an LAPD statement.

According to the LAUSD:

Pursuant to District rules, parents were informed last March within

72 hours of the teacher's removal from the campus.

When the District first learned of the allegations, the teacher was immediately removed from campus, parents were informed, and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing was advised. Dismissal proceedings were initiated.

Pimentel faces eight counts of sexual abuse and seven counts of lewd acts, according to the LAPD: He was being held in lieu of $12 million bail.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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