A judge’s gavel rests on a book of law. (Dreamstime/TNS)
WATSONVILLE — Pajaro Valley Unified School District temporarily employed a man recently charged in Monterey County with seven counts of child molestation.
Superintendent Heather Contreras issued a message to the community over the weekend saying that Joshua Alfaro, founder of the East Salinas nonprofit music program Alisal Community Arts Network, had not interacted directly with district students while employed as a contractor from May 22-24. Alfaro visited Pajaro Middle School, Lakeview Elementary School and Pajaro Valley High School to speak with band directors about needed musical instruments, her letter said.
The district terminated their consultant’s agreement with Alfaro “immediately upon learning of the arrest,” Contreras wrote. Alfaro, 42, was arraigned last week on charges from the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office that he sexually assaulted three girls under the age of 14 between 2018 and April. None of the victims named in the charges were affiliated with the Alisal Community Arts Network, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
“Our hearts are with the minors involved in this distressing situation and their families,” Contreras wrote. “We remain committed to keeping the safety and well-being of our students as a number one priority at PVUSD.”
At his arraignment Wednesday, Alfaro pleaded not guilty to charges and he is set to return to court July 10. Alfaro remained jailed with a bail set at $2.7 million.
Monterey Herald reporter Andrea Valadez contributed to this report.
Originally published at Jessica York