Southern California Teacher Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Student

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A teacher from Ontario, California, has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a young student. Hector Edward Zaldivar, 53, was taken into custody on February 12 after Riverside Police began an investigation following a report from the victim, identified as a female juvenile. The reported abuse took place during summer school at Terrace Elementary School in June 2022, where Zaldivar was teaching fourth grade.

Officials from the Alvord Unified School District confirmed Zaldivar's placement on administrative leave as the investigation proceeds. "The health and safety of our students is our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with the Riverside Police Department," stated Resma Byrne, the district’s superintendent. Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward.

Zaldivar has been booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 using force and is being held on a $1 million bail. Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective Steven Espinosa.

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