A teacher at the elite Viewpoint School in Calabasas was arrested Wednesday after a student reported he was secretly taking inappropriate photos of pupils on campus. The instructor was taken into custody on felony charges of possessing obscene material involving a minor. School leaders say the employee has since been fired and that the campus is cooperating fully with law enforcement as detectives continue to investigate and ask any additional potential victims to come forward.
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Malibu/Lost Hills station went to the campus Wednesday afternoon and arrested the teacher after a student reported the photos, according to NBC Los Angeles. The outlet identified the suspect as Travis Shojinaga and reported he was booked on felony charges of possession of obscene material with a minor. The case remains under investigation, the outlet said.
School Statement And Campus Steps
In a statement to NBC Los Angeles, Viewpoint School said it "launched an investigation" after being notified of the allegations and alerted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The school added that the staff member's "employment has been terminated" and that, "as far as we know today, the allegations of inappropriate behavior do not involve physical contact." Viewpoint School describes itself as a TK–12 independent school in Calabasas.
Legal Context
Possession of sexual images of minors falls under California Penal Code section 311.11 and may be charged as a felony punishable by time in state prison or county jail and fines, according to the California Legislative Information. Related state law can also require sex-offender registration under California Legislative Information. With those kinds of potential penalties in play, such cases are often treated seriously by prosecutors as the investigation unfolds.
How To Report
Investigators say they are seeking any additional victims or witnesses and are urging anyone with information to contact the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station. The station's public page lists a non-emergency phone number and tip options and highlights anonymous Crime Stoppers hotlines for reporting. Anyone who may have relevant details is asked to reach out to law enforcement while the investigation continues.
