California Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Taking Inappropriate Photos of Students
A veteran teacher at an elite private school in Southern California has been arrested and charged after prosecutors allege he secretly took inappropriate photographs of at least four female students, authorities confirmed on Friday. The case has sent shockwaves through the educational community, highlighting concerns over student safety in prestigious institutions.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Travis Takeshi Shojinaga, 39, of Sylmar, was taken into custody on the campus of Viewpoint School in Calabasas on Wednesday, February 25, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The school, renowned for its rigorous academics and annual tuition exceeding USD 45,000, described the revelations as “deeply troubling.” Shojinaga, who taught at the K‑12 institution for a decade, is charged with one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material and four misdemeanor counts of annoying or molesting a child under 18, prosecutors stated.
He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on February 27 and is currently being held on USD 1 million bail ahead of his next hearing scheduled for March 12. If convicted, Shojinaga faces up to seven years in state prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life, prosecutors emphasized.
Investigation and School Response
Authorities revealed that the investigation began when an 11‑year‑old student reported that Shojinaga had been taking inappropriate photos of female classmates without their knowledge. Detectives soon discovered evidence suggesting he had compiled intimate images of multiple underage students. In a statement, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said prosecutors believe there may be additional victims and urged anyone with information to come forward.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the alleged conduct, calling it a “disgusting and deliberate violation of children’s safety, dignity and rights.” He stressed, “Schools are meant to be safe environments for youth,” and warned that anyone who preys on children on campus will be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.”
Viewpoint School officials confirmed that Shojinaga’s employment was immediately terminated following his arrest. The school is cooperating fully with law enforcement and has retained the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers to conduct an independent third‑party investigation, facilitated by its Campus Safety and Security teams. In a statement to PEOPLE, the school said, “The safety and well‑being of our students, families, teachers and entire community remain our highest priority.”
Current Allegations and Call for Information
Authorities noted that while the allegations involve inappropriate photography, they currently do not include claims of physical contact. However, the case underscores the serious nature of digital exploitation in educational settings. Anyone who may have been victimized or has further information is urged to contact Sergeant Joe Cerda at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau at (562) 946‑8216. Anonymous tips can also be provided to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222‑TIPS (8477).
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and robust safety protocols in schools, particularly in high-profile institutions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further developments, hoping for justice and enhanced measures to protect students from such violations in the future.
