A Pasadena middle-school teacher was arrested on Wednesday, March 1, on suspicion of molesting a girl, sending her child porn and other charges, police said.
The school became aware of allegations Wednesday afternoon, according to an email sent to parents by Merian Stewart, the principal at McKinley School.
“Given the serious nature of the allegations, we immediately reported this to the Pasadena Police Department, who quickly responded,” Stewart wrote.
The email did not name the teacher or reveal details on how school officials found out about the allegations. The district placed the teacher on administrative leave, Stewart said.
Police arrested and booked Michael Joseph Medina, 34, of Glendale on suspicion of lewd acts with a child, oral copulation with a minor, lewd acts with a minor under 14, sending harmful matter to seduce a minor and possession of child pornography, Pasadena police Lt. Monica Cuellar said.
Medina posted bond and was released late Wednesday night, booking records show.
When reached by a reporter Thursday morning, Medina said: “According to my attorney, I can’t say anything right now.”
It wasn’t clear if police believe a victim is a student or if the alleged crimes happened on the campus or elsewhere, at 325 S. Oak Knoll Ave.
“We have and will continue to fully cooperate with the Pasadena Police Department,” Stewart said in the email. “The safety of our students is always our highest priority and we are committed to following all safety policies and procedures. If true, the allegations are deeply troubling. We will be working to support all of our students and staff. “
Medina started working for the district in August, said Hilda Ramirez Horvath, a spokeswoman for Pasadena Unified School District.
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