Former teacher gets 3 years in jail for sex with student

DOWNEY -- Brandon Hitchcock, the 32-year-old Downey High teacher and soccer coach who had sex with a female student, was sentenced to three years in county jail on Monday.

Hitchcock, of Lakewood, also was ordered to stay away from the victim. In November, Hitchcock pleaded no contest to two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Hitchcock was a teacher and a soccer coach at Downey High School. In 2014, school staff were alerted about an inappropriate relationship between Hitchcock and a 17-year-old student. Administration informed law enforcement and they immediately began an investigation. 

Deputy District Attorney Amanda Luna, who prosecuted the case, said Hitchcock had sexual interactions with the victim over a seven-month period.

The victim sued Hitchcock last October, alleging he preyed on her and initiated a sexual relationship.