Menifee School District: Music Teacher Suspected of Possessing Child Porn
MENIFEE (CNS) – A music teacher for elementary schools in the Menifee Union School District suspected of possessing child pornography was out of custody and on administrative leave from his job Wednesday.
Tristan Dario Perez, 28, was arrested and booked Tuesday into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of possession of child porn.
Perez posted a $10,000 bond and was released from jail Tuesday night.
“Upon learning of the arrest, the employee was immediately placed on leave,” according to a statement released by the Menifee Union School District. “Please know that the district holds its employees to the highest standard of professionalism.”
District spokesman Josue Reyna told City News Service that Perez was hired six months ago as a music teacher for Freedom Crest, Morrison and Oak Meadows elementary schools.
According to spokesman Chase Coburn of the Menifee Police Department, the multi-agency Riverside County Crimes Against Children Task Force handled the investigation into Perez. Details regarding how authorities became aware of his alleged acquisition of child porn were not disclosed.
An arrest warrant was served on the suspect Tuesday afternoon at a residence on Las Flores Drive in Menifee, where he was taken into custody without incident.
“Currently, there is no reason to believe that any students or members of the community are victims of Perez,” Coburn said.
The school district acknowledged that revelations an employee allegedly perpetrated the offenses were “unsettling and may cause distress and confusion.”
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority,” MUSD stated. “As a district, we appreciate the work of law enforcement and will cooperate should the need arise. We take all matters seriously and will continue to take appropriate action.”
The district offered staff, families and students the opportunity to meet with administrators and counselors if they feel the need. The main office line is 951-672-1851.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked to contact Menifee police detectives at 951-723-1613.
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