A Las Vegas fourth-grade teacher was arrested and booked on a felony lewdness charge involving a child under 14. Police say they are concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, as reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Arrest and charges
Francisco Misajon, 48, was arrested on Tuesday and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of lewdness with a child under 14, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The outlet reports Misajon taught fourth grade at Innovations International Charter School’s Oakey Boulevard campus and had been employed there for about a year and a half.
School officials told parents that Misajon was pulled from the classroom after the allegations surfaced and placed on administrative leave while the investigation plays out, the Las Vegas Review-Journal noted.
Detectives seek additional victims
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police detectives say they believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to speak up. Anyone who may have been a victim, or who has information about Misajon’s conduct, is asked to call the department’s Sexual Assault Detail at 702-828-3421. To remain anonymous, people can contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or submit a tip online through Crime Stoppers of Nevada, according to KTNV.
School response and local context
Innovations International has told families it is offering counseling and support services to students and parents and stressed that student safety is its top priority. The arrest comes amid a recent string of investigations into alleged abuse by adults who work with children across the Las Vegas Valley, a pattern that has ramped up pressure on schools and youth programs to tighten background checks and reporting procedures, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
What the charge carries
Under Nevada law, lewdness with a child under 14 is classified as a category A felony that can carry a life sentence with the possibility of parole after a minimum of 10 years, along with a fine of up to $10,000, according to the Nevada Legislature. A conviction would also trigger sex-offender registration and, in many cases, lifetime supervision, legal summaries state.
Next steps in the case
Misajon remains in custody while detectives continue interviews and gather evidence. Prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges beyond the initial booking, as reported by FOX5 Las Vegas. Hoodline previously published an initial report on the arrest.
How to share tips
Anyone with information about Misajon’s activities is again urged to contact Metro’s Sexual Assault Detail at 702-828-3421. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online via Crime Stoppers of Nevada, as reported by KTNV. Authorities say tips are carefully reviewed and that they sometimes release photos or additional details to help identify more victims and witnesses.
