Deseret News | Reader comments: Fanjul says he wants 'peace' for his accuser

Reader comments
Fanjul says he wants 'peace' for his accuser

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Skippy | 5:14 a.m. June 10, 2009

Perhaps Fanjul should just move on with his life.

Much respect | 6:58 a.m. June 10, 2009

I am amazed at Mr. Fanjul and his amazing attitude. What a wonderful man, I would be thrilled to have a man of such character teach my children.
I hope this young student realizes the damage she has inflicted. Lets hope her parents will pony up and pay for his legal fees!

anon | 7:09 a.m. June 10, 2009

Skippy....what a sweet comment. Perhaps you'd like to have some empathy on what he's been through.

Comments continue below

Chris | 7:12 a.m. June 10, 2009

What do you mean, get on with his life? He was accused by some trouble maker that he did something that is taboo in this country. He still has to build a reputation back, so that he can over come the doubters that are 'hollier then thou'. I understand that the school board had to take action in case it was true, but now he has to re-build all teh pieces. I am not so sure I would be so forgiving. The school board better get him back to teaching.

ReF: Chris | 8:19 a.m. June 10, 2009

"Taboo", no in this country it is against the law, not just a "taboo".

D | 8:21 a.m. June 10, 2009

I wonder how this girl sleeps at night. Did she lie about the other guy too, who is now serving a prison sentence? Just because he pled guilty doesn't necessarily mean he is. He may have only done that in order to avoid a stiffer sentence. I think they should take another look at that case. An innocent man may be sitting behind bars day after day, year after year all because little Miss Scarlet Letter is attention-deprived.

Prosecuting Attorney | 8:39 a.m. June 10, 2009

Just because he was acquitted doesn't mean he didn't do the crime. Look at the evidence.

Question | 8:43 a.m. June 10, 2009

So does he get back pay for the time they made him take off? Salt Lake School Dist. better pony up!

SimonSays | 8:49 a.m. June 10, 2009

This entire story just irritates me. I don't know this man, but he sure seems to be the type of person I'd like to know and be friends with. My heart goes out to him and his family, despite the innocent verdict. What sort of responsibility is this trouble making young lady going to have to live with. So, Fanjul is innocent - from the beginning it sounded as if that was the case - but now he lives with the mess that surround such lies and deceit. I hope this girl pays for her crimes. That is what they are - crimes.

re:Skippy | 8:55 a.m. June 10, 2009

Perhaps he can, now that these sordid and slanderous accusations are behind him. Heaven for bid a teacher take an interest in his/her students lives in and outside the classroom....

Chili Dog | 9:02 a.m. June 10, 2009

He is fortunate that the prosecutor allowed a bench trial - wehre emotion would not be at play.

I wonder if he would wish her well if he had been convicted?

re: Prosecuting Attorney | 9:03 a.m. June 10, 2009

What evidence?

Some liars don't think they lie | 9:08 a.m. June 10, 2009

I have a close relative who has regularly been caught in her lies. She's now an adult, but going back into her early teenage years she would regularly be caught in a lie and the evidence put in her face and she would still deny her guilt.

Maintain appearances | 9:11 a.m. June 10, 2009

It's a sad state of things that lead to a troubled teen making such accusations.

BUT, I have to question the 'hang out' spot in the classroom. It's one thing to have a spot that relaxed study can happen, but to have a game machine and drinks there makes it seem much too buddy buddy. My question is, where was the principal through all this? Surely he/she should not have allowed such informality in a classroom. It's one thing to be a friend and another to be a buddy; this bleeds too far into buddy territory.

I hold a teaching certificate and would never dream of doing something like this.

Re: Prosecuting Attorney | 9:17 a.m. June 10, 2009

I agree totally, but the sword cuts both ways. I would argue that since he was acquitted that he does deserve everything back that was taken from him. Until the DA's office can prove that any impropriety was done, he is absolutely innocent. Unfortunately, massive damage has been done to him.

I must admit that I am a bit torn on this. I tend to think that really innocent people don't get this much dirt on them (phone calls etc) however you have to believe in our system. If the government couldn't get a conviction we must ensure the rights of the accused.

re: Mr. Prosecuting Attorney | 9:20 a.m. June 10, 2009

Care to enlighten us on the so called "evidence"? There is nothing in the article that even comes close to evidence supporting the accusation. Care to share what evidence you have? Remember though libel is a punishable offense...

Where's Her Punishment | 9:21 a.m. June 10, 2009

The prosecution should now give the girl the same punishment that the teacher would have got if he was convicted in this case. We had better stop these punks in their tracks before this becomes a rampant game for the tenny weeny's to play! This has hurt and probaly ruined this mans career forever besides tarnishing his name, all because of some spoiled brat that wants attension. Punish her!

? PA | 9:22 a.m. June 10, 2009

Evidence or not the Prosecution did not make the case and the evidence doesn't mean a thing now. In Fact since he was aquaitted you have to presume innocence as you should have prior and during trial.If not, why do we have a Constitution or a Court System?

Tacoma Washington | 9:22 a.m. June 10, 2009

To 'Prosecuting Attorney': Obviously, they DID look at the evidence! He was acquitted, which means he didn't do the crime. However, that lying student commited perjury and slander (reputational 'murder') on Mr. Fanjul! That is serious and she needs to be proscecuted!

Re: Prosecuting Attorney | 9:23 a.m. June 10, 2009

It's not our job to look at the evidence. It was Judge Boyden's job. She looked at it, and found it lacking. Move on and allow Mr. Fanjul to move on.

Defense Counsel | 9:26 a.m. June 10, 2009

To Prosecuting Attorney: So you're the judge? The evidence says he didn't do it. The only supporting evidence was the testimony of one very unreliable, troubled, mixed up girl. My daughter just finished her senior year at West and she and her friends think very highly of Mr. Fanjul. I hope the school district takes a step towards righting the injustice done to Mr. Fanjul and lets him resume his teaching.

Timid Tim | 9:36 a.m. June 10, 2009

Just more proof that if you want to go through life without a lawsuit or without losing what you've got DONT: Talk to women, help children, or own an animal.

Hollywood | 9:41 a.m. June 10, 2009

Agree w/ Maintain.
Do these teachers live in a bubble? You simply cannot place yourself in a position where accusations could be made. He's a teacher - not a best friend.

The principal should never have allowed a "hangout" spot in a classroom where a male teacher might be alone with a female student. That's just asking for trouble, whether real or fabricated.

Idaho Doc | 10:06 a.m. June 10, 2009

If our government would spend a few million $ making a reliable lie detector test that works, and replacing the malfunction and overmanipulated jury system, innocent people could have this sort of thing taken care of in a few days, instead of having to spend their future life savings to pay off legal bills. Why doesn't the ABA care about our outmoded criminal justice system enough to fix it.

Seem to me | 10:06 a.m. June 10, 2009

This teacher at the very least used poor judgement and some unprofessional activity in his off hours contact with this student or other students. Blame it on enthusiasm if you will, but non the less he may have crossed some ethics lines or as the news articles suggest, his teaching job would not be in jeprody.

To "D" at 8:21 | 10:11 a.m. June 10, 2009

The other teacher was caught in the act of having sex with the student by police officers (impeccable witnesses). He had to plead guilty because he is guilty.

Im a woman | 10:14 a.m. June 10, 2009

Tim I would have to say that is pretty true now days, everyone seems they are a victim of something or someone is out to get them.

bergstro JD | 10:26 a.m. June 10, 2009

1) The acquittal in criminal court does not affect the school board's discipline. They use the "preponderance of the evidence" standard (>50%) rather than "beyond a reasonable doubt" (>90%-ish), and allow evidence that is not allowed in court. The board is free to find that he violated the rules of their professional organization, that the suspension without pay was appropriate, and that he should lose his license. I'm not saying that he should.

2) This girl reminds me of the most recent kid that accused Michael Jackson. MJ was probably guilty, but the kid and his mother had cried wolf before and were basically grifters. It's hard to rely on the testimony of a girl that can't seem to maintain an appropriate relationship with her teachers.

3)

Mike | 10:26 a.m. June 10, 2009

This case reminds me of the Doug Howard case years ago. Howard was the baseball coach at Brighton High and was accused of fondeling a girl in class during a movie. The charge was false and absurd. He didn't do it yet his name was dragged through the mud until the case was resolved in his favor. Is Fanjul guilty of being stupid? It appears so. Did he do the wild thing with the student? It appears not.

dabombsauce | 10:29 a.m. June 10, 2009

I know JB and his wife...They are beautiful people that are full of love and compassion for everyone. I see nasty ugly comments and judgement is being made by the lay man when the professional has heard ALL the evidence....BOTH SIDES. It was the Judge who heard every thing and decided the girl was not telling the truth. It is not in the character of JB to be vindictive about the wrongs that have befell him. He is the type of man that wants youth to learn and grow up to be wonderful people. I KNOW BOTH OF THEM PERSONALLY...THEY ARE BOTH AMAZING PEOPLE...NOTHING SEXUAL HAPPENED...DEAL WITH THE TRUTH OF THAT!!!!

Idaho | 10:33 a.m. June 10, 2009

If you know anything about the legal system, a Bench Trial is almost always a slow way of pleading guilty. To come out on the winning end of one means the prosecution had an extremely weak case and should have dropped it before it ever got started.

REader | 10:37 a.m. June 10, 2009

Fanjul may have been acquitted, and that is great, but from what I read in the paper as the trial progressed, he engaged in some behavior with his students that was a little too friendly and inappropriate for a teacher. Personally-- and what do I know?-- I think something did go on between him and the girl, but it could not be proved in court. So he rightfully should go free.

Anonymous | 10:41 a.m. June 10, 2009

Mr. Funjal was "acquitted", in my case the "Prosecuting Attorney" flat out dropped the charges, yet I still had to get it "Expunged" from my Personal history record with the state, FBI, county and charging police department, I HAD TO DO ALL THE LEG WORK for their error and poor investigation! There are still "Doubters" in my case, and always will be in Mr. Funjal's case! His chance to teach again is very slim, and if and when he has his own kids again if he volunteers for scouts, or young women's camp, or a accompany his kids class on a field trip, there will be those who scourn and scoff at him thinking him guilty of the offense he was tried and acquitted of! I live in extreme emotional pain because members of my own family who live out of state don't even talk to me anymore, they believe the accusers story, yet I am innocent, the D.A.'s office DROPPED the case because they had no REAL EVIDENCE other than the girls accusations and "Dreams". This poor man will suffer the rest of his life because of this experience in his life.

Uplifting | 10:44 a.m. June 10, 2009

Despite all that Mr. Fanjul has been through, he is not bitter, nor does he wish ill on his accuser. Yes, he will deal with this the rest of his life, and yet he is choosing to move on and remain positive. He is truly living his religion.

NMMNG | 11:05 a.m. June 10, 2009

Unfortunately, this type of thing happens far too frequently in today's heavily anti-male society, and it is rare that the girl or woman faces any real penalties for lying and destroying a man's life. A lot of girls/women know that they have the power to destroy someone they don't like, as well as get a mountain of unquestioning sympathy, by simply implying that they were taken advantage of.

Be careful men. Women lie just as much as, if not more than, men. Don't get fooled by a show of innocence, because you're not going to find it very frequently in women in modern American society.

Not Asleep | 11:08 a.m. June 10, 2009

Where in this article is the story about the girl? If she is guilty of something (I'm not an attorney so I'm not sure of the crime) there needs to be some kind of punishment when the court finds the defendent not guilty. The article doesn't state anything about what's happening to the girl. There needs to be something stiff happen when someone falsely accuses-- it is extremely offensive to the common senses of society if I may be so bold. The reputation of a person can be trashed for a very long time, just on insinuation alone, even when found not guilty.

Many of todays youth... | 11:13 a.m. June 10, 2009

can not be trusted so, adults must be very careful how they deal with them. They have a wicked streak in them. Advice from an old scoutmaster.

OR James | 11:15 a.m. June 10, 2009

These things happen. My father-in-law loved teaching, was a good teacher, and kissed the kids (boys & girls) on the forehead when they excelled. He retired early after one of his teacher friends was wrongly accused of touching. His friend was eventually found innocent after the little girl came forward and said she had accused him because he reprimanded her for something and she wanted to get back at him. This happened in Vancouver WA which is a fairly big city. It only took a few days for the local paper, gossip, and neighborhood members around that school to ruin this fine teachers life. He returned to teaching but was never the same because he couldn't trust or didn't feel like he could give everything to his students. My father-in-law retired early because of what his friend went through. Two good teachers were lost because of what this little 12 yr. old girl did. Unfortunately, this thing probably happens quite often.

Friend of Fanjul | 11:19 a.m. June 10, 2009

It is a shame that Fanjul is being punished for going above and beyond. I know JB Fanjul & his wife Angela personally and I know in my heart he did not do what this trouble teen has accused him of. I also wonder if the guidance councelor is innocent as well. I pray that he will be able to teach again, because that is what he does so well.

Anonymous | 11:21 a.m. June 10, 2009

I was joyous to when charges against me were dropped. However when a few weeks and months passed by I realized just how many "Doubters" there were. Eventually he will have to fact that fact, and live with these "Shadows" behind him everywhere he goes! He will have to learn how to deal with it, and not let it make him a bitter man. He will have to learn to overlook the faults of others for thinking him guilty of something he didn't do. He will have to deal with that the rest of his life! Fortunately it seems he has some good friends, a great wife (Like I do) who know the real man, and realize he wouldn't do this thing. He will also have to be careful never to put himself in harms way, like taking a babysitter home by himself, or being caught alone with someone of the opposite sex. These are fears that run in my mind constantly, because I was accused of something I never did! Once you are accused there are others just looking for an excuse to accuse you again, just for circumstantial evidence, I feel very sorry for him.

RE Prosecuting Attorney | 11:27 a.m. June 10, 2009

We have looked at the evidence and you have been found lacking. I'm sure you hoped to have a jury to shock and sway with your description of the evidence. Unfortunately for you the judge was not swayed but required proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Anonymous | 11:30 a.m. June 10, 2009

Mr. Funjal should be teaching for the 2009-2010 school year. If I had met him as a HS, I would have been honored to have had him as a teacher, and very likely his friend.

The main question is where is the evidence?

The school board will conduct its investigation and likely dismiss him, as a result.

He has been found guilty in the court of public opinion, just for being around this 17 year old girl. Those who are here in the community, who come across as "holier than thou" will make sure that he never will be able to teach again.

He may be guilty | 11:46 a.m. June 10, 2009

Chris,

"The school board better get him back to teaching."

While Fanjul was acquitted it doesn't mean that he is innocent or that a court found him to be innocent of the charges instead it simply means that there is not sufficient evidence for a conviction.

Innocent people are wrongly acquitted and guilty people are wrongly convicted all the time.

The school must protect the children who attend since his conduct and the allegations made against him were strong enough for him to be charged by prosecutors therefore it is well above the burden of proof that a school district needs to make sure he doesn't teach in their district.

If he is guilty and he does this again and then there is enough evidence of guilt plus new facts come out which prove that he did molest this girl and another girl in Washington and he was re-hired the parents of his next victim would have a right to sue the school district for not protecting their child from someone who is known to have been accused of molestation.

Anonymous | 11:46 a.m. June 10, 2009

For those that want the girl punished, imagine a situation where a girl really was taken advantange of by a teacher, and she's already scared to come forward, and she knows that if the teacher isn't found guilty for whatever reason than not only would he go free but SHE would be punished. If there is enough evidence the girl can be charged with filing a false report, but this man being found not guilty is not enough for to find that.

Freddie | 11:47 a.m. June 10, 2009

"What evidence?"

Wasn't there suggestive E-Mails?

Just because a person is found not guilty in a court of law doesn't mean that person is innocent.

anon | 11:50 a.m. June 10, 2009

I agree with Hollywood and Maintain - I have been a teacher for only a few years, but even so, I have found that you just cannot be overly cautious. I know many kids need a "buddy" or someone outside of the family in whom they can confide but unfortunately, it can lead to trouble. With that in mind, I think the best defense is to keep the couches out of the classroom, the "buddy" out of the teacher - maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. Sad, I know, but necessary in these times.

Anonymous | 11:52 a.m. June 10, 2009

He is doing the best thing he can, it's what I did, my case wasn't as publicized, I am lucky, not many know about my case. I wish my accuser the best too, I was only saying that in time he will come to a better realization of what has happened to him. He will be a better person for this, but he will always have difficult times. He has a good wife it seems, as do I, and they are rocks in our lives. The church and our beliefs are the same as well, and that will surely help him. My life, for the most part is normal again, but it took some time. Mr. Funjal, don't forget to get this "Expunged" from your record! The arrest and charges will remain on your record until you file petition to have them removed. A lawyer can do it, or you can do it yourself with a lot of running around.

Re:Not Asleep, I am sure Mr. Fungal just wants to get on with his life, he doesn't want to "Punish" the girl in civil court, I didn't, it's not worth it!

wrz | 11:59 a.m. June 10, 2009

"Why doesn't the ABA care about our outmoded criminal justice system enough to fix it."

Are you crazy? It would mean millions in lost legal fees.

Anonymous | 12:00 p.m. June 10, 2009

sheesh this case was just creepy

talking with this girl "three to 12 times a day at one point, conversations ranging from one minute to 61 minutes" heck you would think the conversations from the spyware software would have been enough.

Sam the Man | 12:02 p.m. June 10, 2009

"Despite all that Mr. Fanjul has been through, he is not bitter, nor does he wish ill on his accuser."

Being not bitter can sometimes indicate escaping by the skin of your teeth.

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