Santa Ana, CA – A 32-year-old elementary school employee in Orange County has been arrested for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old high school student, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
According to the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD), officers responded to reports of suspicious activity inside a parked vehicle near Westwood Avenue and Riveria Drive at approximately 7:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male and a female in the backseat of the vehicle.
Following an initial investigation, authorities identified the suspect as Mariano Hernandez, a behavioral interventionist at Benson Elementary School in Tustin. The female victim was confirmed to be a student at Foothill High School, also within the Tustin Unified School District.
Suspect and Victim Admit to “Dating Relationship”
Police reports indicate that both Hernandez and the minor admitted to meeting at Foothill High School and engaging in a “dating relationship” that had lasted for several weeks. Officers took Hernandez into custody at the scene and booked him at the Santa Ana Jail on multiple sexual assault-related charges.
Authorities fear there may be additional victims and have released the suspect’s photo to the public in hopes of gathering further information. Detectives urge anyone who may have been victimized or has relevant details to contact Detective M. Tapia at 714-245-8379 or via email at mtapia@santa-ana.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Orange County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 855-TIP-OCCS.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials emphasize their commitment to student safety and holding offenders accountable.
