Paul Chapel, Teacher Accused of 16 Counts of Lewd Acts on Children, gets Next Court Date

, the Telfair Elementary School third grade teacher, accused of multiple felony counts of "lewd acts with a child under 14," made his first public court appearance today since sharing the recent headlines with other Los Angeles Unified School District teachers and staff. All are accused of unlawful sexual acts with children.

His preliminary hearing was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in Department H, on the third floor of the L.A. County Superior Court building.

Around 9:40 a.m., Chapel, a 50 year-old Chatsworth resident, was escorted by Sheriff's Department bailiffs into the San Fernando courtroom, as several members of the media awaited his appearance.

Chapel was dressed in a blue jumpsuit and was quickly brought by his lawyers before Judge Lloyd M. Nash. The judge asked Chapel if he wanted to "waive his right to a speedy trial" and Chapel responded, "Yes, your Honor."

Upon hearing the response, Judge Nash set the next court date for March 20, with which his lawyers agreed. Judge Nash then looked directly at Chapel, and firmly directed, "you (Chapel) can't have any contact" with any of the witnesses and alleged victims that Nash had named. Chapel again responded, "Yes, your Honor." 

Immediately after, Chapel and his lawyers were escorted out of the courtroom by the bailiffs.