Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a statement from Monte Vista Christian School.
A former Monte Vista Christian School teacher was arrested Aug. 14 on suspicion of committing a lewd or lascivious act on a child who is 14 or 15.
Jacob Lee, 28, is facing multiple charges, according to Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Ashley Keehn, deputies in April received a report about an incident involving Lee that allegedly occurred in 2022. Detectives identified Lee as the suspect, and on Aug. 14, detectives traveled to Suffolk County, New York, to arrest him.
“When someone entrusted with educating and mentoring young people is accused of committing crimes against them, it is an especially serious betrayal of that trust,” Sheriff Chris Clark said. “Let me be clear that there is no place to hide from accountability. Moving across the country does not make those allegations disappear.”
According to his LinkedIn page, Lee taught biology at Monte Vista Christian from August 2021 to February 2024. He received a degree in molecular biology from UC Santa Cruz in 2020.
It was unclear Wednesday whether the victim was a student at Monte Vista.
In a statement provided to The Pajaronian, Monte Vista Christian School officials said the school “is committed to the safety and care of its students.”
The statement says that all employees have been “vetted, trained and evaluated through thorough processes and policies, with the intention to create a safe and supportive school environment.”
“We see any unsafe action toward a member of our school community to be a serious betrayal of trust,” the statement reads.
“Student safety has always been and will remain an MVC priority.”
Clark said Lee will be extradited to Santa Cruz County.
“We will never stop pursuing those who prey on our children,” he said. “No matter where you go, we will find you.”
Because Lee was a teacher at the time of the alleged incident, detectives believe there could be other victims.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Munoz at 831.454.7646.
