Second arrest for Fortuna High School teacher involving a minor

 

This is the second arrest for a Fortuna teacher for similar charges involving a minor. There was a hung jury twice in the case of  Deirdre Peterson. You may remember both trials in 2009 and 2010. I was a juror for the first trial. I attended the second trial. She no longer teaches but her husband Kim Petersen who is also a math teacher is still listed as staff on Fortuna HS site. 

Fortuna High School Teacher Gary Landergen was arrested yesterday on a Ramey warrant for sexual battery and annoying, harassing or molesting a child. Bail was $35,000. Landergen posted bond and is out of custody.

Last year, there was a teaching assistant, Matthew Oliver Gibson from Toddy Thomas Middle School in Fortuna arrested for  unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and other sex related charges involving a minor. At the time of his arrest, Gibson was not employed at the school.

I have contacted FUHS Suprintendent Glenn Senestraro and specifically asked about Landergen's employment status. 

4/18: It does not surprise me that Senestraro has still not responded to me or any media. I was less than impressed with Senestraro during the Peterson trial.

Fortuna Police Department release: 

On Wednesday, April 6th, 2022, Fortuna Police Detectives arrested 56 year old, Gary F. Landergen on allegations of sexual battery on a minor. Landergen, who is a local teacher and coach in Fortuna had been placed on administrative leave by his employer just prior to the arrest by police Wednesday afternoon. 

At least two students came forward reporting they had been the victim of inappropriate and unwelcomed groping and/or fondling by Landergen. During the course of this investigation, detectives were able to locate and identify witnesses who had observed some of the alleged misconduct.

Landergen was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked without incident for the following charges and suspected violations of the California Penal Code:

243.4(a) Sexual Battery

647.6(a)(1) Annoying, Harassing, or Molesting a Child.

The Fortuna Police Department is asking for any assistance in identifying any other potential victims. Victims and their families are urged to come forward with any information and to immediately contact school administrators and the police department.

Related post (Gibson):

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/01/matthew-oliver-gibson-booked-for.html?m=1#more