Ex-Teacher Facing Modesto Sex Charges Allegedly Planned To Leave Country
MODESTO (CBS) - The former Modesto high school teacher accused of sexual assault with a minor 14 years ago was apparently making plans to leave the country with his current student turned lover, according to prosecutors.
Christopher James Hooker went before a judge for the first time Tuesday morning as was told to come back to court at 1:30 p.m. to surrender his passport.
Hooker made headlines last month when he left his wife and children and moved into an apartment with a student, 18-year-old Jordan Powers. Powers moved out after Modesto police arrested Hooker on Friday.
A judge ordered Hooker back to court to surrender his passport after prosecutors said they had a notebook that detailed Hooker's plan to leave the country and go to Canada with Powers.
Hooker is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl back in 1998 when Hooker taught at Davis High School in Modesto. Police discovered the alleged victim while investigating Hooker's relationship with Powers.
He met Powers at Enochs High School, where he taught until his February resignation after their relationship went public.
In a phone interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," Powers said Hooker told her he met the girl online, they spent time as friends and she made a move on him.
"And she came out of the bathroom naked and he only touched her boobs and he was freaked out so he left and he went home," Powers said Hooker told him. "He said nothing else happened, but all of that was a lie."
Powers now says her relationship with Hooker is over with after his arrest.
Powers' mother, Tammie, waged a public war against Hooker, including speaking out against him on "Dr. Phil" and she told CBS on Friday she was thrilled with his arrest.
"I'm elated," she said. "This has been my contention all along, that James Hooker is a predator. He abused his position of authority and I contended that from day one."
Hooker insisted he started dated Powers after she turned 18. Police haven't charged him with any crimes from his relationship with Powers but say they are still investigating.
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