Katie 
Richmond, California: A biology teacher was arrested on Wednesday, April 6 at the Sacramento International Airport as she returned to California from a vacation for allegedly engaging in numerous acts of a sexual nature with minors between December 23, 2021 and February 15, 2022 according to court records.
According to the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office 29 counts including child molestation and lewd acts upon a child involving seven different minors have been filed against 35-year-old Anessa Paige Gower.
The names and ages of the children have not been released, nor has it been stated whether the children were students in her class.
Gower is accused of sex acts with minors, inappropriate touching, and sharing sexually graphic photos over online platforms.
Gower was arraigned on the charges yesterday and her bail was set at $1.9 million. Court records do not show that an attorney has been appointed to represent her and the next court date has not been provided.
Gower had worked as a biology teacher at Making Waves Academy between October 2021 and February 2022 according to International Business Times.
Chief Executive Officer of Making Waves Academy Alton B. Nelson, Jr., issued a statement following Gower's arrest saying, "There is nothing more important than the health, safety and well-being of our students.
"During the course of an investigation into allegations that one of our teachers violated school policy, we learned of additional highly concerning allegations involving that teacher's conduct. We immediately shared that information with authorities who are reviewing the matter. That teacher is no longer employed by Making Waves Academy and we have reached out to parents, students and faculty to provide support where it might be needed. At this time we can make no further comment."
The investigation into Gower's conduct began on February 18, 2022.
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