Charges were dropped Monday against a CUSD teacher who was accused of lewd acts against two children.

The charges against Timothy Northrop, 57, were dropped during a preliminary hearing on Monday, August 14, according to the LA County Superior Court Database.

Two 12-year-old girls at Chaparral Elementary School had accused Mr. Northrop, a physical education teacher at the school, of inappropriate touching in May.

Mr. Northrop’s lawyer, Leonard Levine, praised the judge’s decision when reached by phone Tuesday afternoon.

“We’re absolutely very pleased with the court’s ruling,” he said. “There was not even probable cause to believe Mr. Northrop had committed any of the alleged offenses, let alone proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”

In a previous COURIER interview, Mr. Levine characterized the accusations as the teacher having tapped or pinched the buttocks of students.

“He has denied committing or engaging in any misconduct whatsoever against either of the complaining witnesses, and is very grateful that he has now been totally exonerated by a court of any wrongdoing,” Mr. Levine said.

As of Wednesday, Mr. Northrop is still on paid administrative leave, according to CUSD Assistant Superintendent Kevin Ward.

The first day of school is August 30, and the first contractual day for teachers is August 28. Mr. Ward said the district was notified of the judge’s decision.

“We’re evaluating our next steps as to the school district’s determination,” he said. “No decisions have been made yet.”

Mr. Levine said that Mr. Northrop, who was principal at Condit from 2006 to 2009, feels vindicated by the judge’s decision.

“He’s always known he was innocent, and he was grateful that was borne out by the court’s ruling,” Mr. Levine said.

—Matthew Bramlett

news@claremont-courier.com