Long-time valley teacher arrested for molesting student

By Elizabeth Warmerdam
on Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 at 12:40 pm

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REEDLEY – A 6^th grade teacher was arrested for alleged sexual assault against a student that occurred 10 years ago.

Teacher David Blancas was placed on leave pending the molestation investigation

David Blancas, 43, was arrested on March 25 at his residence in Reedley. He is currently a 6^th grade teacher and has been with the Monson-Sultana Joint Union Elementary School District in the Dinuba area for 25 years. Blancas is being accused of abusing a student who was in his school 10 years ago.

According to Reedley Police Chief Joe Garza, the sexual encounters between Blancas and the male student took place several times, but there is no indication that the encounters took place on the school campus. Garza said the incidents appear to have taken place several times within Reedley city limits.

The victim approached police in the middle of 2011 with the allegations. Garza said that even though a lot of time has gone by, there was enough information to move forward with the arrest. “The victim finally came forward and notified the police department that there was some sexual misconduct that had gone on,” Reedley Police Chief Joe Garza said.

At this point, there is only one victim. “I would praise the victim for being very courageous coming forward to report this crime,” Garza said. If there are any other victims, Garza encourages them to speak to the police.

Blancas has been put on paid administrative leave, according to District Superintendent Roy Woods. Blancas has worked as a teacher, athletic director, and coach during his employment with the district. The district plans to launch their own investigation into what happened while they wait for the outcome of the criminal investigation. They also sent a letter home with students explaining the situation.

Meanwhile, Blancas remains in the Fresno County Jail with bail set at $150,000.

KSEE24News: Reedley Man is Arrested for Allegedly Molesting a Student

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