Porterville High teacher arrested on sex charges

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Porterville High School auto shop teacher is facing charges. He's accused of having sex with a former student, who police said was a minor when their relationship began.

About a week and a half ago, Porterville Police received a call from a citizen alerting them of a possible inappropriate relationship between a Porterville High School teacher and one of his students.

After an investigation, police arrested 52-year-old Porterville High School auto shop teacher Bradley Collins this week.

"In October 2013, an inappropriate relationship did exist between Bradley Collins, a Porterville High School teacher and one of his students. That relationship did include sexual intercourse. The student was 17-years-old at the time," said Captain John Hall, Porterville Police Department.

Police said that relationship continued through the teen's senior year and even after her graduation in 2014. Police interviewed both her and Collins.

Porterville Unified School District Public Information Officer Jason Pommier said Collins is on unpaid leave as the police investigation continues.

"Again, one of the things we're very good at doing is working proactively with the police department. We have a very strong relationship with them, so we always want to make sure we're protecting all of our students in these types of situations."

Thursday, the Tulare County District Attorney's Office decided not to file charges against Collins. Saying they need further information from the investigating agency.

Porterville policy said they are confident that once they complete that request, charges will be filed against Collins.

"We would much rather investigate something and have it turn out to be nothing, but unfortunately these things do occur and the sooner we can investigate and intercede and stop it from continuing, the better off it is for everybody," said Hall.

While police always do look to see if there may be any other victims, they said they have nothing to suggest there are more victims in this case.