EspañolFormer Teacher Matthew Gonzalez Arrested on Suspicion of Child Sexual Abuse At Herbert Hoover Middle School At 1635 Park Drive
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA (October 7, 2023) – A former teacher identified as Matthew Gonzalez has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a student at Herbert Hoover Middle School in San Jose.
Santa Clara County officials are saying that the incident took place on Thursday. San Jose police officials are saying that they first got a report of the assault in August and identified Matthew Gonzalez as the primary suspect.
Officers were able to obtain an arrest warrant and a search warrant for the defendant’s residence. The defendant has been arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14.
Matthew Gonzalez also worked at Willow Glen Middle School and the San Jose State University Child Development Center. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Santa Clara County Child Sexual Abuse
Teacher sexual abuse can occur at every level of a child’s education. According to Psychology Today, “About 10 percent of students will experience educator sexual misconduct by the time they graduate high school. Verbal comments of a sexual nature are the most common form of educator sexual misconduct reported. Most perpetrators are male (89.1 percent) and teachers (63.4 percent) or coaches/gym teachers (19.7 percent).” Schools should take a number of actions to prevent teacher sexual abuse.
- Schools should understand factors that lead to victimization and predation.
- Schools should thoroughly vet all prospective employees.
- Schools should thoroughly investigate all suspected instances of sexual misconduct.
- Schools should have clear guidelines for reporting sexual misconduct.
Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, it is a crime for a person to commit any lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age. This includes touching a child’s body for sexual purposes. A lot of the sexual misconduct that occurs in schools takes place under the guise of tutelage. Coaches may inappropriately touch students and do their best to make it seem as though the misconduct was normal. If a school fails to properly monitor students who are sexually abused by a school teacher, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Victims of sexual abuse tend to suffer very serious physical and psychological injuries.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal Ideations
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Teachers are mandated reporters and must report all instances of reasonably suspected child abuse. But far too often this does not take place. Schools may also neglect to thoroughly vet teachers. It is important for parents of school children to understand that they do have rights. If a student is sexually abused at school, their parent can seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Teacher Sexual Abuse At Herbert Hoover Middle School
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the students and families who may have been harmed by the actions of Matthew Gonzalez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent something similar from happening again.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a school teacher in Santa Clara County? Our team of teacher sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that school districts are held to account for their neglect. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
