EspañolJanitor for Riverside Unified School District, Mario Guadalupe (Full Name: Mario Moralez Guadalupe), Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Abusing Up To 21 Children
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (February 15, 2025) – A janitor for the Riverside School District identified as Mario Guadalupe was arrested on child sexual abuse charges.
There are reports that the defendant has been placed on administrative leave. Mario Guadalupe is currently facing 19 felony charges related to the sexual abuse of minors.
There are no details about the schools that he may have worked at within Riverside County. A spokesperson for the school district said that none of the victims are students in the school district.
Mario Guadalupe is currently being held on a $1.22 million bail at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 13.
Liability for Riverside County School Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse remains alarmingly common across California and the United States. Girls are disproportionately the victims of these crimes. According to Rainn, “One in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault. 82% of all victims under 18 are female. Females ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.” There are a number of steps that school districts should take in order to prevent sexual abuse.
- Schools should thoroughly vet all of the teachers and employees that they hire.
- Schools should have anonymous reporting mechanisms for sexual misconduct.
- Schools should develop and enforce clear codes of conduct that prohibit sexual abuse.
It is illegal for any adult to have sexual contact with a child. Under California Penal Code 288(a), “a person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act, including any of the acts constituting other crimes provided for in Part 1, upon or with the body, or any part or member thereof, of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child, is guilty of a felony.” Perpetrators are susceptible to criminal and civil penalties for their misconduct.
Schools can face civil liability if they expose children to sexual predators. Every school district has a legal obligation to protect students from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. They must enforce all rules necessary for their protection. If school officials knew (or should have known) that an employee posed a risk of harm and they failed to take action, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the assault should be preserved.
- The action or inaction of school officials leading up to the abuse should be understood.
- An experienced child sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
By the time any school employee is arrested for sexual abuse, there are often numerous red flags that are missed. In many situations, there may also be numerous victims. It is critical that there is a thorough investigation after any instance of sexual abuse involving a school employee. Parents of victims should also understand that they do have rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Riverside County Child Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the alleged misconduct of Mario Guadalupe. Any person that may have more information about the actions of this person should reach out to the police. It is deeply concerning that someone who is accused of committing such heinous crimes worked around children.
Has your child been the victim of sexual abuse by a Riverside County School District employee? Our team of child sexual abuse attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that victims of child sexual abuse are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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.
