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West High teacher not guilty in sex case

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Good Decision | 12:56 p.m. June 5, 2009
There was no evidence of what he was charged with, except the testimony of a promiscuous girl. To file charges against this teacher was sloppy and lazy. Prosecutors put this guy at risk, without presenting any real evidence.

The judge did right. My first question to the prosecutor would have been, where is any evidence that this actually happened? Wire giving verbal admission? Admission in texting? Witnesses? Anything?

The judges decision took courage, she obviously risked a public backlash.

The teacher broke district rules which were meant to protect him and students from appearance of wrong doing. This will be a wake up call to him not to step over the line, and it is too bad the rule is there in the first place, ideally teachers would be able to go the extra mile and spend extra time with students.
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Dixie Dan | 12:57 p.m. June 5, 2009
Great verdict! Any chance of perjury charges being filed against the plaintiff? I hope Mr. Fanjul proceeds with a civil suit alledging slander and defamation.
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Anonymous | 1:08 p.m. June 5, 2009
Lets hope Mr. Fanjul can get back to teaching soon. Gifted teachers like he is are so needed in our school systems. The judge and the defense are to be commended. Right Verdict.
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David | 1:12 p.m. June 5, 2009
The case seemed pretty watery to begin with. I hope Mr. Fanjul is able to put this behind him quickly and that this student can get the help that she obviously needs.
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becca | 1:20 p.m. June 5, 2009
What about the Girl?? Doesn't she have to pay for possibly ruining this man's life?? He may have to move out of state just to teach again...She just gets to walk away???
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Now... | 1:32 p.m. June 5, 2009
Let's charge the kid with making false statements. It's time some of these kids that "work the system" realize consequences for their damaging claims. She needs to face the music and set an example for the next "victim" that will make false claims.
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Future | 1:33 p.m. June 5, 2009
Glad to hear he is not-guilty ... but his name will forever be tarnished.
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Re: becca | 1:36 p.m. June 5, 2009
I'm sorry to say it, but it's very likely that she will.
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Anonymous | 1:37 p.m. June 5, 2009
He may not be going to jail but so much of his life is gone that he can't back. good ruling judge!
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How About An Apology? | 1:50 p.m. June 5, 2009
This girl should be made to get up in front of her studentbody and make a public apology, without question. She has put a negative in some peoples eyes as to this fine teacher. Why do we let things like this happen? The prosecution should have had definite information on this case before ever bringing forth charges. I feel real bad for this innocent teacher and his family.
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David O | 1:59 p.m. June 5, 2009
He should never have put himself in the position to get accused. It is a bad and stupid idea to be communicating with students outside of the classroom. He is guilty of being stupid.
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Now | 2:05 p.m. June 5, 2009
please stick to teaching and stay emotionally attach free from the students, or if there is a need to help a student, always make sure that there is another person in the same room with you so you'll always have a witness to back you up in case something like this happened again. Better be safe than sorry.
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Once in a while... | 2:06 p.m. June 5, 2009
The good guy wins.
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Private Eye | 2:10 p.m. June 5, 2009
The fans of this verdict need to take a course in Law 101. Just because he's aquitted doesn't mean he didn't commit the crime. It just means there was not enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt inside a courtroom. The same judge who aquitted on this case previously said there was sufficient evidence for the trial. I really hope for all involved that he didn't commit the crime or we'll have a bigger problem now.
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Justice Is Served | 2:10 p.m. June 5, 2009
GREAT decision!!!

The girl should be punished for lying!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't care 2 cents if she did have a hard life before this, that doesn't make almost destroying another human being's life, as well as HIS family's life, acceptable.

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TKC | 2:17 p.m. June 5, 2009
I'm so happy for this man. After seeing the photos, I realize that I've gone golfing with him and found him to be a great man devoted to his job! Small world! Good for him and good for the judge :)

My question is how can this girl do something like that??? What is she trying to get? Attention???
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Charlie | 2:18 p.m. June 5, 2009
There should be some accountability in the prosecutor's office for taking this to trial.
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Hollywood | 2:34 p.m. June 5, 2009
Agree with Private Eye. Based on the evidence that WAS presented - e-mails and evidence of phone calls - we know the teacher broke a lot of rules.

When it came down to the sexual relations charges, it was a case of he said/she said.

The fact no one else could provide supporting evidence of inappropriate behavior is menaingless. You know what - no one can provide evidence that my wife and I have a sexual relationship, either. It's not like we invite people over from work to witness what we do behind closed doors.

Yes, there was reasonable doubt. But to assume the girl is therefore lying and the teacher did nothing wrong is fallacious as well.

Reasonable doubt that the teacher did something criminal. Also reasonable doubt that the girl lied.
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Hey Private Eye | 2:36 p.m. June 5, 2009
Glad you're trolling here. He was found NOT GUILTY in a court of law. That's it. It's over. He is NOT GUILTY. Why don't you let him have his reputation. I hope you're never in court and found not guilty -- because it's people like you that live for the dirt. He is NOT GUILTY. (You sound like you're guilty of something? What are you guilty of? Let's all speculate on what you did?)
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Re: David O | 2:37 p.m. June 5, 2009
Oh, to be as brilliant and perfect as you. Right.
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