In December, authorities began looking into Mario Valenzuela, 42, from Coachella. The school administration was informed by the victim that inappropriate contact had occurred, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Valenzuela is identified as a specialist in special education at Coachella Valley High School. At approximately 7 p.m., the district issued a statement verifying that a CVUSD employee was part of an investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The district typically refrains from discussing personnel issues or ongoing investigations. Nonetheless, considering that the media is seeking details about the investigation, a concise reply is appropriate,” the statement reads. “We are continuing our collaboration with the Riverside County Sheriffs…” We want to emphasize that any form of inappropriate behavior is unacceptable in our District, and ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
The district has been contacted by The Desert Sun for additional remarks.
Law enforcement took Valenzuela into custody on Friday afternoon in the 49-000 block of Pluma Roja Place. The sheriff’s department reported that he has been booked at the John Benoit Detention Center and is now facing charges related to inappropriate conduct with a minor. He is set to make a court appearance on March 20 at 7:30 a.m. and has posted bail of $10,000, according to jail records.