Peninsula Choreo Coach Arrested on Sex Charges

dance teacher Anthony Angellano was arrested Monday on sexual misconduct charges stemming from an incident involving a former student four years ago.

A sexual relationship between Angellano, 36, of Wilmington, and one female student allegedly took place during the 2006-07 school year.

The District Attorney's Office filed four counts of oral copulation and one count of digital penetration against Angellano, Los Angeles police Lt. David McGill said.

Two former students claimed they had a sexual relationships with Angellano, the first came forward in August and the other in October, McGill said.

"We think there might be more victims out there," he said.

In both of the former students' cases, the crimes allegedly occurred in Wilmington, McGill said, but not necessarily at Angellano's home.

Angellano is currently listed as a choreo coach on the Peninsula High website.

Mitzi Cress, the school's principal, said in an email to staff Monday evening that Angellano's classes had been taken over by a fully credentialed physical education teacher.

"We are fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation," she said in the email. "As always, the health and safety of our students is always of foremost importance."

Cress did not comment on whether Angellano would be fired and said personnel action would depend on results of the investigation.

Peninsula's choreo website names Angellano as a professional choreographer and coach of the school's "very prestigious and well known program." According to the website, Angellano helped establish Co-ed Choreo in 1997

The choreo program teaches various types of dance to students and features an annual public show during the school year.

On his Myspace page Angellano says, "Dancing is what I do for play and for pay. ... I teach an after school dance program at a local high school. ... I'm always looking to have a good time."

Investigators said they believe there are more victims. They plan to hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon.