A 42-year-old teacher suspected of sexually assaulting a juvenile student was taken into custody, authorities announced Wednesday.
Thermal Station deputies began investigating allegations of a student being touched inappropriately by Coachella resident Mario Valenzuela in December after the victim reported the alleged sexual assault to school administrators, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators located Valenzuela around 11:35 a.m. Friday in the 49000 block of Pluma Roja Place, near Calhoun Street and Avenue 50, and booked him at the John Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor.
Anyone with information regarding the alleged sexual assault was urged to call Thermal Station Investigator Fernandez at 760-863-8990. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Valley Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.