Hector Zaldivar – Former Terrace Elementary School Teacher Arrested for Sexually Abusing a Student
A former fourth-grade teacher at Terrace Elementary School has been arrested for suspicion of sexually abusing a student. According to law enforcement officials, the Riverside school teacher, Hector Zaldivar, was investigated after a young girl reported that he sexually abused her. The student claimed that the abuse took place while attending summer school at Terrance Elementary.
Any report of child sexual abuse is alarming. Unfortunately, in the United States, it is a widespread problem. When abuse happens at school, children who come forward about the mistreatment they suffered should be taken seriously. When it can be found that abuse did occur, not only can an abuser be held accountable with criminal punishments, but they may also be held civilly liable and responsible for paying financial compensation to victims. In some instances, an institution, like a school, may also be liable if the abuse took place on campus and at the hands of an employee.
To learn more about filing a child sexual abuse claim in California or to have your case reviewed, you may call our California child sex abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C.
Hector Zaldivar Arrested for Child Sex Abuse
After the investigation was launched, Zaldivar was quickly taken into custody and booked into Robert Presley Detention Center. He has been charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age, using force. His bail has been set at $1 million.
Alvord Unified School District and Hector Zaldivar
At the time of his arrest, Hector Zaldivar was employed within the Alvord Unified School District. Word of his arrest led officials associated with the school district to place him on administrative leave, and Superintendent Resma Byrne has addressed the allegations against Zaldivar and issued the following statement:
“The health and safety of our students is our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with the Riverside Police Department as they conduct their investigation. Alvord Unified School District has placed the teacher on immediate administrative leave and is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and support of our students, staff, and families. We encourage parents to have open conversations with their children and reach out if they need guidance or support. Counseling services are available for students and staff, and we urge anyone needing assistance to contact their child’s teacher or site administrator. We understand this news is deeply troubling, and we remain committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.”
In addition to placing Zaldivar on administrative leave, the school district has offered counseling services to students and staff who were impacted by the news of Hector Zaldivar’s arrest. They also emphasize actions being taken to continue to provide students with a safe learning environment.
Contact the Police with Any Information
The Riverside Police Department (RPD) believes that there may be many more victims who were sexually abused and mistreated by Zaldivar. Victims who have information regarding sex crimes by Hector Zaldivar should:
- Call Child Abuse SACA Detective Steven Espinosa at 951-353-7120 or email at SEspinosa@RiversideCA.gov
- The RPD also has the Atlas 1 mobile app, which allows anonymous tips to be sent through secure messaging.
Speak to a California Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
Call our California child sexual abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. at (707) 576-7175 today to schedule an initial consultation.
Los Angeles – San Francisco – San Diego – Lassen County – Sonoma County – Mendocino County
