A 53-year-old teacher at a Riverside elementary school suspected of sexually abusing a fourth-grade student has been arrested, police announced Thursday.
Detectives from the Sexual Assault Child Abuse Unit began investigating allegations against Hector Edward Zaldiva on Tuesday, according to the Riverside Police Department. The Ontario resident was placed on administrative leave from his job at Terrace Elementary School by the Alvord Unified School District on Tuesday, police said.
The investigation stems from accusations that Zaldiva engaged in lascivious acts with a child under 14 during a summer school session in June 2022, police said.
Zaldivar was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 using force and held on $1 million bail.
Police suspect some additional victims have not come forward, and urged anyone with information to contact Riverside Police Department Detective Steven Espinosa at 951-353-7120 or by email at SEspinosa@RiversideCA.gov.
“We encourage parents to have open conversations with their children and reach out if they need guidance or support,” the district said.
“Counseling services are available for students and staff, and we urge anyone in need of assistance to contact their child’s teacher or site administrator. While schools are closed next week, families can also reach us at studentservices@alvordschools.org.”