PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- A math instructor at the Paradise Valley Community College was arrested for public sexual indecency and officials say the man, identified as Victor Ochkur, was fired from his job following his arrest.

On Friday, FOX 10 learned that Ochkur taught algebra and calculus at three different campuses since 2004. Last month, police say Ochkur, 42, drove his gray four-door sedan in the area of St. John and 28th Streets, pulling over to talk to a 13-year-old girl. Ochkur allegedly asked if she had a boyfriend before exposing and fondling himself. Police say the girl ran home.

"It's terrifying as a girl, it's terrifying and also as just a student," said a former student at Paradise Valley Community College. The former student says these allegations are disturbing, knowing Ochkur taught math classes here.

"If he was a teacher, you never know how far he would go with anyone else," said the former student. "I mean, if a 13-year-old girl.. and who would do that, who knows what he would be capable of?"

Ochkur appeared in court, after being arrested Thursday. He is facing a felony charge of public sexual indecency. Police say the victim's 10-year-old sister says Okchur tried to give her a ride home last October when he approached her. She recognized his car parked by her house Thursday morning and called the police.

"I was trying to explain to the detective what happened, and I can't make -- I don't know what to say," said Ochkur, in court.


FOX 10 has reached out to Maricopa Community Colleges officials. A spokesperson says Okchur has been removed from his courses and banned from campus. There are no reported incidents involving him at any schools.

Ochkur's father spoke with FOX 10 after learning about the allegations, hours after Ochkur's arrest, and the family is in total shock at what their son is accused of doing.

"It was total news to me," said Ochkur's father, Sergei Ochkur. "I just found out right now."

Sergei was asked whether he expected such behavior from his son.

"No, I wouldn't expect that from him. It's a total surprise to me, and I'm just shocked."

When asked what he would like to say to his son, Sergei said this:

"We love him," said Sergei. "That's all I have to say. We love him very much. I'm very shocked and surprised, and it's very upsetting for us."

According to police, Ochkur admitted to fondling himself three to five times a month, in different locations. He is scheduled to return to court on May 2.