Palo Alto middle school coach charged with 100 molestation counts

San Jose Mercury News ^ | 8/22/5 | Elise Ackerman and Julie Patel

[SmithL]

Students in Palo Alto returned to school today as a long-time athletic director and coach at Jordan Middle School is in jail facing charges he allegedly molested a student years ago.

Police said Bill Giordano, 59, was arrested at his home in Menlo Park Thursday on suspicion of more than 100 counts of child molestation. He is being being held in the San Mateo County Jail and will be arraigned today.

According to Menlo Park police, the charges stem from a relationship that Giordano allegedly developed with a student 14 years ago. That relationship allegedly lasted a couple of years before it ended. The victim, who is now in her mid-20s, recently reported the relationship to the authorities.

According to the school's Web page, Giordano currently teaches physical education to sixth, seventh and eighth-graders. He is the head track coach at Jordan, specializing in sprints and relays and is a volley ball coach at Palo Alto High School.

Marilyn Cook, associate superintendent of the Palo Alto Unified School District, said Giordano has worked for the district since 1978 and has been a physical education teacher at Jordan for 14 years.

Cook said the district found out Friday afternoon about Giordano's arrest and district staff and the Jordan principal were notified. Letters will be sent home to Jordan parents today -- the first day of the new school year -- and officials will talk to school staff members later today.

[ThinkDifferent]

but 25-14 years victim = one sick bastard teacher.

Very true.

[trubluolyguy]

Short drop and a quick stop.

[trubluolyguy]

Me too...I think those women should have gotten the same punishment any guy gets.

[Dashing Dasher]

He was 45 - she was 14...
Read more below...
San FranFreakShow rides again!

........................
A Palo Alto school teacher has been arrested on suspicion that he had a sexual relationship with a student beginning 14 years ago, police said Monday.


William Giordano ,59, allegedly developed a relationship with the girl when she was just 14, Menlo Park police Sgt. Jim Simpson said. The relationship ended after several years, according to police.


Menlo Park detectives served a search warrant on Giordano's home and seized a number of items, authorities said.


The victim, now in her twenties, recently reported the relationship to authorities. An arraignment was scheduled for Monday.

[q_an_a]

while here is one person being in this story the headline is about 100. can your square your comments with the difference between one and 100?

[Dashing Dasher]

I believe they are stating that their 'relationship' consisted of 100 counts of molestation.

And not 100 victims.

Thank heavens.

[TheBattman]

Huh? This story is about one coach and one student (with repeated offenses). Just like the story I related.

[q_an_a]

thanks. the link was to a subscription page and I did not read more than 100 counts, so it is about 100 times with one girl. what a mess.

[DCPatriot]

The victim, who is now in her mid-20s, recently reported the relationship to the authorities.

Looks like he liked young girls.

[Psycho_Bunny]

I am curious to compare and contrast the reactions to this guy and reactions to the various "hot blond" female teachers that did much the same thing.

The prevailing "wisdom" here at FR is that it's ok when women molest boys.

Prevailing wisdom amongst the "men", anyway.

[najida]

Sometimes its not so much regression as you're just are doing your damndest to forget.....then one day you realize that what happened needs to be brought to light.

It's strange, sorta like an emotional version of those pictures you stare at for a long time until you see the other picture.

[Prince Naseem]

As a former student of Mr. G's I must say that his behavior with his teenage female students has always been highly inappropriate. Everything from the consistent rides he gave his players home (a big no no in the official the coach's handbook) to the way he would place his hands on their shoulders in the hallway. These accusations come as no surprise to those who were around this tomcat and his "Mr. Cool, fun loving beach boy" antics. This news comes as no surprise to anyone who was really there and had eyes/ half a brain. It's time for good old Mr. G to own up to his behavior and admit to his poor judgement and predatorial behavior. 14 is and remains a big no no! Where was this rational "innocent till proven guilty" stance when OJ was on trial???