Alisal High School teacher resigns after allegations of physical abuse

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) An Alisal High School teacher resigned after being placed on leave for allegations of physical abuse that happened more than 20 years ago.

Salinas police said a former student reported that his teacher, 63-year-old Patrick Egan, physically abused him on campus more than 20 years ago. During an investigation, police said they found more potential victims and information that supported the former student's claim.

The Salinas Union High School District cooperated with police and put Egan on administrative leave after police said they confirmed the claims.

Egan resigned after being placed on leave. He worked as a teacher, and sometimes an athletic coach, within the district since 1984.

The district said in a statement, "The SUHSD takes each and every reported act of misconduct seriously and is committed to aggressively pursuing any allegation to determine the truth and, if necessary, initiate the appropriate disciplinary or administrative measures."

The district said it was first told about the claims on Feb. 26. Marcos Cabrera, a spokesperson for the district, said the school and district will continue to cooperate with the investigation, but said it cannot give details about the investigation or underage victims.

"We wish to reassure all of our parents and guardians that the school and district have and will continue to take every precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff at our schools. Every parent deserves to know that their children are safe and treated with the utmost concern when they are at our schools; this is the foundational principle for providing a good public education. We hold this value at the highest possible level and will continue our work to uphold it," the district said in the statement.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Pete Gomez at 831-758-7237 or pedrog@ci.salinas.ca.us. You may also call the anonymous tip line at 831-775-4222.