Pajaro Valley Unified School District principal arrested for several sexual assault charges
SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. (KION-TV)- Santa Cruz Sheriff Deputies have arrested a 58 year old man from Santa Cruz on several sexual assault charges.
According to Santa Cruz County Sheriff officials, Dagoberto Garcia was arrested on Thursday February 22nd after detectives investigated a sexual assault case that happened on Tuesday February 20th. Garcia is facing charges including rape of an intoxicated woman, sexual penetration of intoxicated person, and oral copulation.
According to a spokesperson for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Garcia has been the principal for EA Hall Middle School since July 2022. Garcia is currently on paid administrative leave, and the district is looking for an interim administrator in the meantime.
In response to the incident, Interim Superintendent Murry Schekman released a statement saying:
Please be advised that Dr. Dagoberto Garcia will be placed on paid administrative leave while an investigation of criminal behavior is conducted by the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s office. An interim administrator will be placed at EA Hall to ensure there is no interruption of instruction or leadership.
The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority. We are cooperating fully with authorities and will provide updates as appropriate. We will have counseling services available on site for those in need.
Detectives are in the early stages of the investigation and are currently seeking additional victims. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office non-emergency dispatch.
