PACIFICA — A high school teacher was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of committing sexual acts against a student, according to a Pacifica police press release.
The suspect is a 64-year-old wood shop teacher who worked at Terra Nova High School since November 2015, authorities said. The suspect was arrested at his home and booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a minor and sexual battery.
The suspect was being held on $200,000 bail, according to jail records. He is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
The lewd acts were allegedly committed against a girl between Oct. 31 and Nov. 4 in 2024. Pacifica police said one victim had been identified and interviewed, but there may be other victims who have yet to come forward. Authorities refused to release the identity of the victim or specific details about the alleged crimes.
Jefferson Union High School District Superintendent Toni Presta said in a statement that the school district was “shocked and saddened” to hear about the arrest. According to the statement, the teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave and has not been in contact with students or been in district facilities since the allegation was made. The school district refused to comment further on the matter to protect the rights and privacy of everyone involved.
Anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents involving the teacher was encouraged to contact the Pacifica Police Department’s Investigative Services Unit at 650-738-7314 or the Silent Witness Tip Line at 650-359-4444.