Crime & Safety
Arraignment Postponed for Teacher After 'Lewd Act' Arrest
Police arrested Albany Middle School teacher and coach James Izumizaki on Wednesday morning on suspicion of committing a lewd act upon a child under 14. Police ask anyone with additional or related information to call 510-528-5783.
The arraignment hearing for the Albany teacher arrested earlier this week on suspicion of committing a lewd act upon a child under 14, whom authorities identified only as a former student, has been postponed until late October.
James Izumizaki had been scheduled to appear Friday at 2 p.m. in Superior Court, 661 Washington St., in downtown Oakland.
The arraignment hearing has been rescheduled for Oct. 24, Albany Police Lt. Dan Adams said Friday. No charges have been filed.
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Adams said the case remains under investigation and that authorities would like to hear from anyone with information about the case, "or about any inappropriate conduct or contact" between Izumizaki "and minors (including former students and players on teams that he has coached)."
Police arrested Izumizaki early Wednesday at his Albany home; he was released from custody on bail Thursday, according to police.
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Many Albany families have said they have been struggling with the news of Izumizaki's arrest. The 28-year-old has been described as one of the most popular and well-liked teachers in the district.
The district has set up a closed session for middle school parents Friday evening to offer advice on how to speak with students about the issue.
Adams said Friday that police have not released the gender of the student alleged to have been molested. Adams also declined to say whether any additional victims came forward this week.
"We're still working the case and there isn't a whole lot of other information to release," he said. "We're still seeking help from the public."
Police ask anyone with additional or related information to call the department's detective division at 510-528-5783.
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