CHULA VISTA –
An elementary-school teacher has been arrested on suspicion of molesting a 6-year-old girl who is a family member, police said yesterday.
Eduardo Arturo Serrano, 56, a teacher with the Chula Vista Elementary School District, was arrested Thursday night at his Chula Vista home.
Detectives began investigating this week after the girl, who was not a student of Serrano's, reported the assault to her mother, police spokesman Bernard Gonzales said.
The girl said the assault occurred late last week at Serrano's home, police said. The date and time were not disclosed.
Police are investigating a second allegation of molestation that may have involved a victim where Serrano previously worked, Gonzales said. The second alleged victim is not a relative.
Serrano was most recently assigned to teach fifth grade at Valle Lindo Elementary School on Oleander Avenue near Orange Avenue. He taught at the school for nearly two years, said Anthony Millican, a school district spokesman.
A letter signed by district Superintendent Lowell Billings was mailed to parents yesterday, notifying them of the arrest and assuring them that the district is “vigilant and in constant communication with the Chula Vista police.”
“Student welfare is a priority in our community,” the letter said.
Serrano has been with the school district since 2003. He previously taught at John J. Montgomery Elementary School on Fourth Avenue near Montgomery Street.
Millican said Serrano has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. Valle Lindo Elementary School is not in session because of summer vacation.
Millican urged parents and guardians with additional concerns to call Chula Vista police. He declined to comment further, citing the police investigation.
Serrano was booked into the Chula Vista jail on one count of child molestation and one count of lewd conduct with a child. He is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Glenn Isaaks at (619) 691-5192.
Staff writer Janine Zúñiga contributed to this report.
