TEMECULA — A Temecula teacher was arrested Tuesday following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate contact with a student, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
On May 7 at approximately 5:32 p.m., a school resource deputy from the Southwest Sheriff’s Station responded to a school in the 29000 block of Mira Loma Drive in Temecula regarding the allegations. The employee, later identified as George Vega, 57, of Temecula, was placed on administrative leave by the school.
Detectives from the department’s Special Victims Unit took over the investigation and determined that Vega had inappropriate contact with a student. On May 27, investigators arrested Vega in Temecula. He was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of child annoyance and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor.
“We have been, and will continue to, cooperate fully with law enforcement and are committed to supporting their efforts to determine the facts of this deeply concerning matter. Although the investigation has been ongoing, it is important that you know the district took immediate action to place the employee on administrative leave to protect both student safety and the integrity of the investigation, as soon as we were initially made aware of the allegations.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We recognize the many impacts this situation may have on our students, families, staff, and community, and we are taking steps to ensure they are supported during this difficult time. Our Crisis Team will be on site to provide counseling and support services, and school administrators are communicating directly with those affected.
“Because this is and has been an ongoing investigation, we are limited in what we can share. Due to the nature of the investigation, we are legally and ethically obligated to maintain confidentiality to protect the integrity of the process and the rights of all parties involved. Still, we remain committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and secure learning environment across all of our schools and in all of our programs and activities.
“We urge the public to respect the privacy of the students, families, and others involved, and we thank our community for their trust and partnership as we navigate this serious matter.”
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact Investigator J. Lee at (951) 955-1718.
