LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The assistant principal accused of assaulting a student made his first court appearance Tuesday morning.
Pernell Graham is facing 15 total sex-crime-related charges, including two counts of lewdness with someone under the age of 14 and a count of battery by strangulation with the intent to commit sexual assault.
During his appearance in court, the prosecution alleged that Graham used his position of authority over the victim, saying he was her teacher and flag football coach.
The victim reportedly described several acts of abuse that spanned a period of three years, beginning when she was 14.
The victim reportedly told police that during the first incident of abuse, Graham forced her to take shots of alcohol before he abused her and then threatened her if she ever told anyone.
Through an online search, Channel 13 learned Graham previously worked at CIVICA Career and Collegiate Academy, a tuition-free public charter school.
We reached out to the State Public School Charter Authority for comment, and received the following statement:
We are aware of the recent reports regarding the arrest of an assistant principal employed at CIVICA. These are extremely serious allegations, and our thoughts are with any individuals who may have been affected.
The individual has been placed on administrative leave pending further developments. At this time, we are not aware of any charter school students who have been impacted. The reported allegations stem from the individual’s prior employment and are not connected to their work within our school community.
Families have been notified and will continue to be kept informed as appropriate. Because this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide further comment. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all students and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
While Graham has no prior criminal history, given the nature of the charges, Judge Suzan Baucum set bail at $350,000. Graham was also ordered to undergo high-level electronic monitoring and he would have no contact with minors and stay away from all school properties.
Graham's next court appearance is set for March 26 at 8:30 a.m.
WATCH the full hearing here:
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FULL HEARING: Assistant principal accused of assaulting student makes first court appearance
Pernell Graham is facing 15 total sex-crime-related charges, including two counts of lewdness with someone under the age of 14 and a count of battery by strangulation with the intent to commit sexual assault.
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