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David Escobar, Santa Ana High School Safety Officer, Arrested On Suspicion of Child Molestation

Orange County School District Employee David Escobar Arrested at Saddleback High School On Suspicion of Child Molestation 

child sexual abuse

SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA (February 26, 2023) – A Saddleback High School safety officer identified as David Escobar was arrested following two allegations of child sexual molestation

Orange County police officials are saying that the arrest took place at Saddleback High School. An adult woman came forward and told police that David Escobar molested her when she was 4-years-old and he was 20. 

As police were investigating the incident, they discovered a second woman who claimed that she was sexually molested by David Escobar when she was a teenager. 

His bail is currently set at $1,000,000. Orange County police believe that there may be additional victims. They are asking those victims to come forward. Tips can be made anonymously to Orange County Crime Stoppers.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time. 

Liability For Orange County School Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a systemic problem across public and private schools in the United States. According to RAINN, “In FY16 alone, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated, or found strong evidence to indicate that, 57,329 children were victims of sexual abuse.” The effects of child sexual abuse can be absolutely terrible for the victims and their mental health.

  • Victims of childhood sexual abuse are 4 times more likely to develop a problem with drug abuse. 
  • Victims of childhood sexual abuse are 3 times more likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
  • Victims of childhood sexual abuse are 3 times more likely to have major depressive episodes when they grow up. 

It is illegal for any school employee in California to have a sexual relationship with a minor. Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, any person that commits a lewd or lascivious act upon a child under 16 is guilty of a crime. The statute explains that the touching does not need to be on bare skin. School employees often prey on children that are isolated or have difficulties at home. Teachers are mandated reporters. When a teacher reasonably suspects that another school employee is abusing children, they have to report it.

Depending on the facts of any case, a school district could be liable if a child in their care is sexually abused. Schools must properly monitor the children in their care and take all of the actions that are necessary to keep kids safe. This includes properly vetting all prospective school employees. As outlined in Virginia G. v. ABC Unified School District (1993) 15 Cal.App.4th 1848, schools can also be liable for the sexual assault of a student if teachers knew (or should have known) about that teacher’s history of sexual abuse. There are many steps that schools can take to prevent sexual abuse. 

  • Teachers should not be isolated with individual students. 
  • School officials should be able to identify “grooming” behaviors by other school employees. 
  • Schools should always properly supervise the students in their care. 
  • Schools should thoroughly investigate all instances of teacher misconduct. 

It can be difficult to know where to begin after school sexual abuse. However, abuse victims should know that they have rights. They have the ability to seek some measure of justice and accountability for what happened to them through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, school districts will often fight extremely hard to deny any responsibility if one of their students is abused. 

Investigating Orange County School Sexual Abuse

We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been victimized by David Escobar. Orange County prosecutors need to thoroughly investigate what happened and look into the possibility that there may be other victims. Any person that may have more information should reach out to Orange County Crime Stoppers. 

Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse in Orange County? There are a number of laws designed to help you. Our team of compassionate and experienced sexual abuse attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that school districts are held to account for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.

Author

MICHAEL S. CARRILLO, Partner

Michael works on high-profile cases that have garnered national media attention. His practice today focuses on child sexual abuse cases, police misconduct cases, catastrophic injuries and other wrongful death matters. He is a passionate advocate for his clients including the countless child sexual abuse victims he currently represents.