Mar Vista High School under scrutiny after 3 employees arrested for sexual misconduct

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — Three Mar Vista High School employees have been arrested in connection to allegations of sexual misconduct with minors.

Alejandro Rodriguez, 20, was arrested in March for sexual misconduct with a minor, according to reports the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Rodriguez has been charged with four felony counts of oral copulation of a person under 18 years of age. The next court dates is a readiness hearing on May 3 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 26.  

Martin Albert Gallegos, 48, was booked into county jail in early April on suspicion of five counts of sexual conduct with a female student. He has since pleaded guilty to two felony charges and will be back in court May 31 for a readiness conference and June 14 for a preliminary hearing.

Edward Aaron Mendoza, 27, faces 20 felony charges for alleged six-month-long sexual relationship with a 13-year-old female freshman student at the high school. Mendoza faces over twenty years in prison if convicted. 

Reports of a third employee began circulating Monday, but according Manuel Rubio, Director, Grants and Communications for Sweetwater Union High School District, said a NJROTC instructor was placed on paid administrative leave on Friday, but not for sexual allegations.

"No such allegations have been made and this was an inaccurate assumption.  While the District cannot comment on personnel matters, we do not want the public mislead.  

In addition, at least one media outlet suggested that NJROTC computers were seized by law enforcement.  This too, is inaccurate.  The District removed classroom computers as a part of its routine procedures in a comprehensive investigation such as this.  We are unable to provide further comment regarding the scope of the investigation or personnel matters at this time and instead wish to focus on Mar Vista High School student achievement as we approach graduation.  

Mar Vista High School Staff are committed to providing our students with a safe and positive learning environment and hope the media will respect the work that staff and students are accomplishing as we near the end of a successful school year."