Andrea Cardosa: Former Teacher Hit With 16 Felonies After YouTube Confession

Andrea Cardosa has been charged with 16 felony counts of sexually abusing a child. The former teacher confessed the inappropriate behavior during phone call, which was presented in a YouTube video. Former student Jamie Carrillo, age 28, confronted Cardosa after experiencing years of anguish following the abuse.

During the video, Carrillo said it took years to admit what happened. She said she trusted her teacher as an authority figure and a confidant. However, Cardosa took advantage of the situation. Carrillo said she was only 12 years old when her former teacher “brainwashed and manipulated” her into a sexual relationship.

Carrillo finally built up enough courage to inform the authorities. Unfortunately, it was too late. It appeared that the statute of limitations was up. Assuming the teacher would “never have to pay” for the devastating abuse, Carrillo called her former teacher and recorded the call:

“I decided to call her and make a video to let the public know what kind of person is around their children. Her name is Andrea Cardosa and works with your children… “

During the call, the former teacher admitted what she did was wrong and said she regrets it. She said she “just wanted to help” Carrillo and the sexual relationship “wasn’t anything that [she] intended.”

As reported by I Heart My Teacher, Andrea Cardosa was an assistant principal at Alhambra High School when she received the phone call. Within days she resigned. The 40-year-old educator worked in four different school districts throughout her career, including Val Verde Unified, Riverside Unified, Coalinga — Huron Joint Unified, and Alhambra Unified.

In addition to her position as assistant principal, she has also worked as a physical education teacher and a coach.

Carrillo’s video prompted an investigation into the allegations. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office eventually charged the former teacher with 11 felony counts of lewd acts on a child and five felony counts of aggravated assault on a child. If convicted, Cardosa is facing life in prison.

David Ring, Carrillo’s attorney, said his client hopes “justice is done” as her former teacher literally “ruined her childhood.”

As the case gained national attention, another student has come forward with similar claims. CNN reports the unnamed 18-year-old former student filed a complaint against the Val Verde Unified School District. The woman claims the district was negligent in employing the teacher and failing to protect her from sexual abuse.

Through her attorney, Randy Collins, Cardosa denies the charges. Collins said he is “certain that evidence will shed new light” on the allegation. He said “our justice system requires more than a YouTube video to determine the facts of a case.”

Andrea Cardosa is currently being held on $5 million bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday morning.