EspañolDowney Unified School District Informs Parents That Alex Ruiz Substitute Teacher at Ward Elementary School, Accused of Fondling Multiple Underage Female Students
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA (November 5, 2025) – A substitute teacher at Ward Elementary School in Downey identified as Alex Ruiz was arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching two 4th grade girls.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident began on October 9. Alex Ruiz was accused of patting the bottoms of two female fourth-grade students over their clothing.
After the principal learned of the allegations, he was removed from the school, and Downey Unified started the process to terminate his employment. The Downey Police Department was also contacted.
Alex Ruiz was subsequently contacted by law enforcement and arrested that same day. He was scheduled to be arraigned on November 3. Following the arrest of the defendant, one additional fourth-grade student and three third-grade students said that he engaged in the same misconduct with them.
The Downey Police Department is encouraging anyone that may have more information to come forward and speak with them.
Liability for Los Angeles County Teacher Sexual Abuse
It is illegal for any teacher in California to touch a student for their own sexual gratification. Pursuant to California Penal Code §243.4(e)(1), any person who touches the intimate part of another person for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification is guilty of sexual battery. This includes instances where the touching is over the clothing of the victim. Schools should take certain measures to protect students from sexual abuse.
- Rigorous Hiring: Schools should enforce rigorous hiring processes. This should include checking references.
- Training: Schools should train all employees to recognize the signs that sexual misconduct is occurring.
- Separation: Any teacher or faculty member that is accused of misconduct should be separated from students while a thorough investigation is conducted.
- Law Enforcement: Schools should notify law enforcement if they become aware of sexual misconduct involving teachers.
Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting them from sexual battery committed by teachers and other school faculty. To that end, schools must adequately supervise students at all portions of the day and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for their protection. If school officials knew or should have known that a teacher posed a risk of harm to students and failed to act, this can be used as evidence of negligence.
Steps to Take After Los Angeles County School Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involving schoolteachers remains quite common. According to Psychology Today, one study by Charol Shakeshaft estimated that the prevalence of sexual misconduct involving educators was roughly 9.6% of the entire student body. Of all reported instances of abuse, 6.7% involved inappropriate touching. Victims of school sexual abuse should take certain measures to protect their legal rights.
- Medical Evaluation: Survivors should seek a medical evaluation. This can create an official record of what happened and help preserve key evidence.
- Law Enforcement: The police should be contacted so that they can begin an official investigation and remove the perpetrator from the school.
- Legal Review: The family of any student sexually abused by a school teacher should seek the guidance of an experienced Los Angeles County teacher sexual abuse attorney.
Sexual abuse involving schoolteachers may seem like an unforeseeable occurrence. But the truth of the matter is that much of it can be prevented through proper security protocols and safeguarding. By the time a teacher is arrested for sexual misconduct, there were likely many red flags missed by school officials. Any person that is sexually abused by a school employee is able to seek some measure of justice and accountability through a civil action.
Investigating Los Angeles County Teacher Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm remain deeply concerned to hear about the allegations against Alex Ruiz. It is deeply concerning that someone entrusted with the care and safety of children would allegedly violate that trust in such a harmful and destructive way. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to law enforcement. The Downey Unified School District needs to do the right thing and address any safety failures that allowed this conduct to be so widespread.
Has your child been sexually abused by a school official at Ward Elementary School or another location in Los Angeles County? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to support you. We have consistently achieved some of the highest verdicts and settlements for abuse victims in the history of California. This includes a $139.5 million settlement for abuse victims in a claim against the Los Angeles Unified School District. 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.
