It is oftentimes difficult to 'rehab' a sex-offender as the aberrational predispositions and tendencies run deep. A far more comprehensive vetting process on the part of the school district is paramount as a similar incident involving another 'elementary school tutor' occurred years earlier in PA.

As for Mr. Topou, he probably should remain incarcerated despite his charming personality and 'charisma'.

I have no opinion one way or the other about this man's guilt, but how can ANYONE defend themselves against something that happened *23* years ago?! Where were YOU on the afternoon of May 17, 1993? Can anyone verify that?

@Murry - this is not one incident that happened on one specific day. The article says there were repeated sexual assaults with multiple victims over a 4 year period.

The accused may not remember where they were on the afternoon of May 17, 1993. But sharpened by trauma, the victim's recollection of what occurred is often burned deeply into their psyche in the most painful, specific way imaginable.

That's what the accused has to defend him or her self against.

If you want to understand the roots of rape culture and victim blaming in Palo Alto, just look at this case.

Parents ask DA to drop charges
Web Link
"His life is in limbo based on one person's accusations. There are no victims in this case," said Marlene Saloner.

Child molest case raises fears
Web Link
"Some parents say they are frustrated because neither the police nor the the Palo Alto Unified School District has done enough to get the word out about the arrest. " Sound familiar???

Letters to the Editor
Web Link

Overcoming abuse
Web Link
Tanaka said she felt the backlash of speaking out: "For the rest of that kindergarten year I was constantly accosted by parents who thought he was wonderful, saying things to me at soccer games, such as, 'I don't know what your problem is with Tupou. He's so wonderful.'"
and
"Tupou's arrest was not announced by either the school district or the police department. Police Capt. Tom Merson told the Weekly at the time that no announcement was made because the investigating officers didn't think it would lead to identifying additional victims."

Bravo, sisters! Courage!

@john_alderman Wait, there's a rape culture in Palo Alto? Could you define that term please?

@Pete - Web Link

Please understand that when it comes to childhood sexual abuse, the pedophile is usually the most charismatic and most popular individual. No child wants to gravitate towards a jerk. That's why it easy for a community to rally around the pedophile and refuse to accept the fact that the victim is right. Keep Kids Safe supports the victims. www.KeepKidsSafe.org

>Please understand that when it comes to childhood sexual abuse, the pedophile is usually the most charismatic and most popular individual.

Probably explains why so many HS/college coaches get busted for these kinds of indiscretions.

@john_alderman So first you're conflating Palo Alto and Paly, and then you're using one of the most controversial and divisive stories ever published in Verde to bolster your "case". Better, I think, to make progress by educating boys (and girls, and adults) about what is and isn't acceptable behavior, and steer clear of emotive and alienating terms like "rape culture".

@Pete Cockerell - What kind of rape curriculum do you suggest for Kindergarten?

"according to the police report." These reports are exempt. Not sure why the Palo Alto Police Department would be at liberty to release such reports . Cal gov code 6254(f) 6254(k) Cal. Penal a code 13300