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Patrick Mester, Former Modesto Band Teacher At Enochs High School, Arrested on Molestation Charges After Allegedly Being Caught In Bedroom of Former Student
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA (October 25, 2024) – A former band teacher at Enochs High School in Modesto, identified as Patrick Mester, was arrested on child sexual abuse charges.
Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office officials are saying that the defendant was first arrested in March of 2001 over allegations related to “inappropriate communication” with a female student. Patrick Mester was then fired from his position at the school.
Seven months after that incident, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department began an investigation after he was discovered in the same girl’s bedroom by her mother. Patrick Mester was arrested for a second time on two counts of lewd acts with a minor and two counts of attempting to meet a minor for lewd purposes.
Prior to being fired, he worked at Enochs High School for over 12 years. The Modesto high school has a very troubled past.
Over the last 12 years, three Enochs High School teachers have been arrested on molestation charges.
Liability For Stanislaus County Teacher Sexual Abuse
Teacher sexual abuse remains all too common in the United States. According to Psychology Today, “A new large-scale, multistate survey of recent high school graduates about the nature and scope of educator sexual misconduct in Grades K–12 conducted by our lab found that almost 20 years after the publication of the Shakeshaft report, educator sexual misconduct remains rampant.” Schools should take a number of measures in order to protect students from sexual abuse.
- Schools should perform background checks on all teachers and school employees.
- Schools should create confidential reporting systems.
- Schools should develop and enforce clear codes of conduct with respect to sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
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. It is not necessary for the touching to be on bare skin. Any teacher who sexually abuses or molests a child will be subject to criminal penalties. Teachers that fail to report reasonably suspected instances of abuse could also face criminal prosecution.
In addition to criminal sanctions, a school district could face civil liability if one of the students in their care is sexually abused by a teacher. Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protection against predatory teachers. To that end, schools must properly supervise students and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for their protection. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- A police report should be created.
- Officers should work to determine if there are other victims.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- An experienced teacher sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
By the time any teacher is arrested for sexual misconduct, there are often numerous missed red flags. In many circumstances, schools knew that a teacher posed a potential risk to children but decided not to do anything about it. It is crucial that victims of school sexual abuse understand that they do have legal options. A teacher sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Stanislaus County Teacher Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about all of the allegations against Patrick Mester. This is the third teacher at Enochs High School in Modesto in the last 12 years accused of molesting children. Steps need to be taken to ensure that students at this school are not under a continued threat of sexual abuse.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a teacher at Enochs High School? You may have legal recourse. Our team of teacher sexual abuse attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of 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.
