The San Carlos tutor accused of fondling and sending nude photos to a friend’s 10-year-old daughter who he tutored pleaded not guilty yesterday to a dozen counts of child molestation and sending harmful matter.
Yung Chi Chu, 46, faces up to 30 years in prison and registration as a sex offender if convicted, said District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
Chu appeared in court for the second time yesterday with retained attorney Frank Bell to plead not guilty to all counts and schedule a preliminary hearing for May 27 with a one-hour estimate.
Bell did not return an inquiry about his client’s case.
Authorities began investigating Chu, who formerly worked as an information technology technician for the Menlo Park City Elementary School District, last fall after the girl’s parents grew concerned she was receiving hundreds of cellphone calls and text messages from Chu, often between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Prosecutors say Chu fondled the girl on multiple occasions and sent her photos of naked men. He allegedly also asked the girl to send him nude photos of herself but she refused. Police arrested at home on a $250,000 warrant.
He is charged with 12 counts of lewd and lascivious behavior with a minor under 14, one count of sending harmful matter with the intent of seducing a minor and another of communicating with a minor with intent to commit a lewd offense.
He is free from custody on $250,000 cash bail.