Former principal pleads to molesting students

COMPTON, Calif. Jonas Vital Silverio, 41, was the principal and volleyball coach at Firebaugh High School in Lynwood. He previously worked as a teacher and coach at Lynwood High School.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office says girls from both campuses were victims. Prosecutors say three of them played on volleyball teams Silverio coached.

The molestations occurred between 1996 to 2007.

Silverio resigned as Firebaugh principal just prior to leaving for the Philippines in May 2009. He was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport when he returned in July.

Compton Superior Court Judge John Cheroske ordered Silverio to undergo a 90-day evaluation by the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Silverio is due back in court in September for sentencing. He faces up to eight years in state prison.

CNS contributed to this report.

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