A longtime teacher at an elite Los Angeles County private school is behind bars after prosecutors accused him of secretly photographing female students and possessing child pornography.
Travis Takeshi Shojinaga, 39, was arrested Feb. 25 at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, where he had reportedly worked for more than a decade. Authorities allege he was caught taking inappropriate photos of an 11-year-old student on campus.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Shojinaga is accused of secretly taking intimate images of at least four students, though investigators believe there may be additional victims. Officials also say he was found in possession of child pornography.
He is being held on $1 million bail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, he faces more than three years in prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12 at the Van Nuys Courthouse.
“The accusations in this case are disgusting and deliberate violations of children’s safety, dignity and rights,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. He urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement, adding that crimes against children on school campuses will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Viewpoint School, which reportedly costs about $55,000 per year to attend, sent a letter to parents confirming that a faculty member had been terminated for inappropriate behavior that occurred on campus. School officials said the alleged misconduct did not involve physical contact.
Head of School Mark McKee said administrators contacted police immediately after learning of the allegations.
“The employee was subsequently taken into custody, and his employment has been terminated,” McKee wrote. He added that the school is cooperating with law enforcement and conducting its own independent investigation.
McKee also said counseling resources are being made available to students and families.
“We understand this situation is deeply upsetting,” he wrote. “We will be making resources, including counseling, available for anyone in our community who may need support.”
Authorities continue to investigate as prosecutors warn that more victims may come forward.
Lock him up and Chop off his biden!