A Brea Olinda Unified School District board member was arrested Thursday on suspicion of possession of child pornography and sexually charged messages to a child.
Christopher Gerard Becerra was booked on suspicion of possession of child porgraphy, child annoyance, falsifying evidence and bribing, influencing, intimidating or threatening witnesses, Brea police Lt. Chris Haddad said.
Investigators would not release any more details about the victim, such as the gender or age range, Haddad said.
Becerra, who lives in Brea, represents Area 4, which includes Brea Junior High School. His age was not provided, but according to the school district, Becerra has four children, who have all attended the district’s schools since preschool.
Becerra works at Santa Ana College and is on the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program’s Board of Trustees, according to police.
He has a doctorate degree in early childhood education and was described as an “active volunteer” for the school district, according to the district’s website. He has also served on the board for the Brea Educational Foundation and the Laurel Elementary Magnet School Parent Teacher Organization.
Becerra worked as an administrative director of Child Development Services in the school district from 2010-18, according to the district.
“Chris states that his greatest accomplishment was adding a preschool and transitional kindergarten classroom to every elementary school throughout the school district,” according to the district’s website.
Police suspect there may be more victims and asked anyone with relevant information to call 714-671-4469.