Fmr. East County elementary school teacher faces 180 years in prison if convicted of lewd acts with children

EL CAJON (KUSI) – Jury selection began Monday for the trial against a former East County elementary school teacher accused of molesting young girls while they were students in his classroom.

Robert Noel Anderson, 59, is charged with molesting eight girls while teaching the fourth and sixth grades at Dehesa Elementary School between 2003 and 2006.

Opening statements are expected later this week. 

Several women testified at a preliminary hearing last year that Anderson touched them inappropriately while they were sitting on his lap in class. 

Anderson is charged with 12 counts of committing lewd acts on a child and multiple victim allegations. 

He faces 180 years to life in prison if convicted.