Trial for Former Shorecliffs Math Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault Starts Monday

The Shorecliffs Middle School math teacher accused of sexually assaulting students on campus and elsewhere stands trial Monday.

Ricahrd John Rack, 51, was arrested last year on suspicion of inappropriate conduct with two children. One of the relationships lasted more than two years, according to investigators. Since his arrest, one more victim came forward.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, Rack faces charges of sexually assaulting an eighth-grade female student while alone with her on campus and committing lewd acts against two other female students.

Altogether, Clemente, is charged with six felony counts of lewd acts on a child ages 14 or 15, one felony count of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and one felony count of oral copulation of a minor under 16.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 12 years and eight months in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.

Opening statements are expected to begin Monday in Department C-27 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. The time is still to be determined.

Rack worked as a teacher at Shorecliffs Middle School in San Clemente since 2002, according to a DA press release. Between April and November 2011, Rack is accused of engaging in lewd conduct toward two students at the school, 13-year-old Jane Doe No. 1 and 14-year-old Jane Doe No. 2.

The defendant is accused of hugging and making lewd comments to the victims. Jane Doe No. 1 told the school principal about the conduct, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.

Rack was arrested June 6, 2012, for the conduct related to Jane Doe No. 1 and Jane Doe No. 2.

Following Rack’s arrest, OCSD discovered the sexual assault against Jane Doe No. 3. Between February 2009 and October 2010, Rack is accused of sexually assaulting 14-year-old Jane Doe No. 3, including lewd touching and oral copulation. He is accused of primarily sexually assaulting the victim while alone with her on campus.

If convicted, Rack will be barred from entering county recreational areas and city parks which have passed the sex offender ordinance.

Deputy District Attorney Vanessa Woods of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.