BRENTWOOD—A Brentwood School teacher was arrested by officials from the Los Angeles Police Department on Friday, August 18 for having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Dr. Aimee Palmitessa, 45, an Upper School (9th thru 12th grade) teacher was taken into custody on suspicion of inappropriate relations with a student. Palmitessa is expected to face charges in the case.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s website reveals that Palmitessa is being held on a $230,000 bail and is expected to appear in court on September 15 at 8:30 a.m.

The LAPD has not disclosed specific details regarding the relationship between the student and the teacher. The name of the student who is a minor has not been disclosed to the public. Dr. Palmitessa has been placed on immediate leave from the Brentwood School. According to the Los Angeles Times, Palmitessa was arrested on suspicion of statutory rape — sex involving a minor. Palmitessa is a biology teacher at the school, and has a Doctorate’s degree in biochemistry and microbiology and taught at Penn State.

Dr. Mike Reira, Head of the Brentwood School released the following statement on Sunday, August 20:

“We were shocked and distressed to receive the news of these allegations. As always, our primary concern is the safety, health, and well-being of our students. To that end, we will do everything we can to cooperate with the official police investigation.

We appreciate the importance of transparency and will keep our school community informed to the extent we can given our concern for the student, as well as our respect for privacy laws and the integrity of the LAPD’s investigation. On behalf of our students and their families, we urge media and other observers to avoid posting photos that include Brentwood students who are in no way involved in these allegations. Please afford them the care and protection you would expect for your own children.”