Teacher Accused Of 'Inappropriate Relationship'

LA MESA, Calif. -- La Mesa police said Friday they are forwarding a case to the district attorney's office that involves misdemeanor charges of annoying or molesting children against a Helix High School teacher.

A news release from the La Mesa Police Department said police detectives learned of the case when the father of an 18-year-old student came to the police station to report his daughter was having an inappropriate relationship with the teacher.

Police said their investigation revealed that associated student body adviser Jeff Wenham, 46, of La Mesa, was involved in an inappropriate relationship with the female student when she was younger than 18.

Police also said the now-18-year- old in the case is the same Helix High School student who was the victim in another recent case involving another teacher, Garry Wilcox.

In that case, Wilcox was arrested on charges of having sexual relations with the student when she was 17 years old.

The La Mesa Police Department is seeking anyone with information regarding this criminal investigation. Police said they are asking any other potential victims to contact the police at 619-667-1400.

In a separate statement, Helix High officials said Wenham, a six-year employee, resigned his position effective June 13, 2008.

His attorney, Earll M. Pott, said in a statement "Jeff Wenham is absolutely not guilty of the scandalous charge sought by the La Mesa Police Department. The Department's decision to publicize its mere recommendation of this charge, before the District Attorney's office has even evaluated the merits of the case for filing, was reckless, hurtful and irresponsible."