Choir Director at Southern California High School Arrested for Sexual Assault
A choir director at a Southern California high school was greeted by police officers after she agreed to meet a 17-year-old student to engage in sexual acts, authorities said.
Investigation and Arrest
According to the Santa Ana Police Department, officers responded to Santa Ana High School around 6 p.m. Friday to a report of a student involved in an inappropriate relationship with a teacher.
Police said the teen, a senior at the school, reported that he had been having sexual relations with his choir teacher, 37-year-old Yessenia Navarro Garcia, the director of the Vocal Music Program at Santa Ana High School, for around six months.
“During the investigation, the victim texted Garcia to meet at a location in Santa Ana, and upon her arrival, she was taken into custody by officers,” the Santa Ana Police Department said. “Garcia admitted to all of the sexual acts that the victim reported.”
Charges and Bail
Garcia was booked into the Santa Ana Jail on several sexual assault-related charges, with her bail set at $100,000.
Employment History
Police said Garcia, a resident of Orange, has been employed full-time as a choir teacher for approximately five years.
Her profile remained on the Santa Ana High School choir webpage, indicating that in addition to serving as the director of the SAHS Alumni Choir since 2017, she has worked at several other schools in SoCal, including Raymond Cree Middle School in Palm Springs, El Sol Science and Arts Academy in Santa Ana and Garden Grove Elementary Schools.
Call for Witnesses
Detectives believe there may be more victims or witnesses to the crimes and ask anyone with information to contact Detective M. Tapia (714-245-8379) or call Orange County Crime Stoppers (1-800-TIP-OCCS).
Conclusion
The arrest of Yessenia Navarro Garcia serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and respecting the trust placed in educators. The Santa Ana Police Department and the school administration are working together to ensure that justice is served and that the school community is safe.
FAQs
Q: How long had the victim been having a sexual relationship with Garcia?
A: The victim reported that he had been having sexual relations with Garcia for around six months.
Q: What charges has Garcia been booked on?
A: Garcia has been booked on several sexual assault-related charges.
Q: What is Garcia’s bail set at?
A: Garcia’s bail is set at $100,000.
Q: Is Garcia still employed at Santa Ana High School?
A: It is unclear whether Garcia is still employed at Santa Ana High School, as her profile remains on the school’s choir webpage.
