Principal suspected in teen’s molesting

A Santa Maria, Calif., elementary school principal has been arrested for allegedly molesting a teenage girl with whom she had a five-year relationship, according to Santa Maria authorities.

Brookann Collier, 32, met the alleged victim in 2004 while teaching at Robert Bruce Elementary in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, said Lt. Dan Ast, a police spokesman. Collier, then 26, began a sexual relationship with the 14-year-old girl, who was not her student, Ast said.

Their relationship continued until early this year, when Santa Maria police received a report about the alleged molestation and began an investigation, he said.

Collier was arrested on Thursday and posted $100,000 bail later that day. The case is being reviewed by the Santa Barbara County district attorney’s office, which has until April 27 to file charges, the police spokesman said.

During searches, detectives found evidence of the molestation, including photographs and letters showing a long-term relationship between the two, he said. Collier could not be reached for comment.

Collier transferred to the district’s Tunnell Elementary in 2007 and has reportedly been a popular administrator. Several parents expressed shock at her arrest in comments posted on the Santa Maria Times website. Others offered their support.

“I’ve known Ms. Collier for over 8 years since my son was in kindergarten,” one message said. “He is now in jr. high. She has ALWAYS been there to help.”

Ast said the public might be sympathetic because Collier is a woman and a well-liked educator, but “pedophilia is pedophilia.”

“It’s child molestation whether it’s a man involved or a woman,” he said. “It makes no difference.”

A spokeswoman for the school district said that Collier’s employment status is being reviewed.

“People are innocent until proven guilty, and there is still an investigation going on,” said spokeswoman Maggie White.

Santa Maria schools are on spring break this week, she said. An assistant principal will take over Collier’s duties when classes resume Monday, and psychologists will be on hand for parents or students seeking help, she said.

--

catherine.saillant@latimes.com