By Gavin J. Quinton
Glendale News-Press
A Glendale man suspected of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student was arrested recently at a Pasadena middle school where he was a history teacher, authorities said.
Detectives arrested the 34-year-old man on March 1 at McKinley School of the Arts, Pasadena Police said. They did not confirm whether the alleged assaults took place at the school.
The man was booked on suspicion of multiple lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, according to police.
During the investigation, Pasadena Police detectives discovered that the suspect was allegedly in possession of child pornography on his devices. They also linked the man to other evidence that he sexually assaulted the student, Lt. Keith Gomez said in a statement.
Detectives conducted interviews, examined digital evidence and executed search warrants at two locations, according to Gomez.
PPD officials stated that the teacher was released on bond after his arrest.
“On March 1, 2023, the district became aware of allegations of inappropriate behavior by … a middle school teacher at McKinley School,” said Brian McDonald, Pasadena Unified School District superintendent. “Given the serious nature of the allegations, the district immediately reported this to the Pasadena Police Department, which responded quickly. After an initial investigation, officers took the teacher into custody.”
PUSD has placed the teacher on a leave of absence pending the outcome of the police investigation, McDonald added.
The teacher has been employed by PUSD since August 2022, according to district officials.
“Before beginning employment with PUSD, all employees are subject to an exhaustive screening, including fingerprinting and background checks by the California Department of Justice. This is an ongoing police investigation and PUSD will continue to cooperate fully with the Pasadena Police Department,” McDonald said.
“The allegations are deeply disturbing and if proven to be true, the district will act promptly and take appropriate action. Our main focus is to support our students and staff during this difficult time,” he said.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241 or report information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at (800) 222TIPS (8477), via a smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” app, or at by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
— City News Service contributed to this report
First published in the March 11 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
