EspañolVictor Valley High School Teacher Noah Padilla Accused of Having Sexual Intercourse With 17-Year-Old Female Student
VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA (May 26, 2023) – A 24-year-old teacher at Victor Valley High School identified as Noah Padilla was arrested for allegedly having sex with a minor female student.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that the defendant was taken into custody on Wednesday. According to the San Bernardino County press release, the arrest came after the conclusion of an investigation by law enforcement and the Victor Valley Union High School District.
Noah Padilla was booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on suspicion of violating California Penal Code 261.5(c). He was being held on $30,000 bail but has since posted bail.
Noah Padilla’s booking photograph has since been released as police suspect that their may be additional victims. Any person that may have additional information can remain anonymous by calling the We-Tip Hotline.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sexual Abuse By Victorville School Teachers
School sexual abuse of K-12 students at the hands of school employees remains a serious issue. According to one report by the U.S. Department of Education, one in ten children experience some form of sexual misconduct by school employees by the end of high school. Much of the abuse that takes place goes unreported. Girls, in particular, are much more likely to be the victims of sexual abuse. There are a number of signs that parents should look for that could indicate their child is being sexually abused at school.
- Abused children may begin experiencing lasting nightmares.
- Abused children may have a sharp decline in academic performance.
- Abuse children may develop and aversion to being touched.
- Abused children may develop psychiatric problems such as anxiety or depression.
It is illegal for teachers in California to have sexual relationships with their minor students. Pursuant to California Penal Code 261.5(c), “Any person who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is more than three years younger than the perpetrator is guilty of either a misdemeanor or a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year.” Teachers are also mandated reporters in California. If a teacher fails to report reasonably suspected instances of sexual abuse, that teacher could also be convicted of a crime.
In addition to criminal penalties for perpetrators, a school could face vicarious liability if a student in their care is sexually abused by a teacher. Schools must properly supervise students to keep them safe. As outlined in Taylor v. Oakland Scavenger Co., 17 Cal. 2d 594 [110 P.2d 1044], “It is the duty of the school authorities to supervise at all times the conduct of the children on the school grounds and to enforce those rules and regulations necessary to their protection.” When a school fails to supervise students who are then abused, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any instance of sexual misconduct involving teachers.
- A police report regarding the incident should be created.
- School records related to the perpetrator should be examined.
- An experienced child sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
Sadly, school districts will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if a child in their care is sexually abused by a teacher. But the truth is that most child sexual abuse in schools can be prevented. Before a teacher is ever hired, they should be thoroughly vetted. When they are hired, they should be trained to understand what is expected of them. Any person that is sexually abused by a school teacher may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims At Victor Valley High School
We at Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to the student who was allegedly harmed by the actions of Noah Padilla. There needs to be a thorough investigation by law enforcement into the possibility of other victims. Students are raised to listen and be obedient to authority figures including teachers. It is for that reason that abuses of power by public school teachers are so deeply troubling.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by teachers at Victor Valley High School? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of highly experienced child sexual abuse attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that victims of sexual abuse are aware of their rights and that their abusers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
