San Marcos Spanish Teacher Busted In Feds' Child Sex Video Probe

A Spanish teacher at High Tech High North County in San Marcos has been arrested on a federal charge alleging he received child sexual abuse material, according to authorities, in a case that has jolted the school community. Investigators say the material was found on a phone seized during the probe, and the school has placed the staff member on paid administrative leave. High Tech High told families it is offering private and group counseling to students and staff as the case unfolds.

What investigators allege

According to NBC 7 San Diego, an FBI complaint identifies the teacher as Erick Medina and alleges he communicated with an out-of-state individual from May through September 2025 to pay for videos depicting child sexual abuse. Agents reportedly found sexually explicit videos of minors on a seized iPhone and noted the PayPal app on the device, which investigators say was used to make payments for the materials. The complaint states that the minors depicted were from outside California and that Medina admitted to the communications described in the filings.

School response and background

The school confirmed the staff member taught Spanish at its San Marcos campus and said the person has been placed on paid administrative leave, according to a school letter quoted by NBC 7 San Diego. The letter told families, "We recognize this is deeply concerning news for our community. Please know that the safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority." School officials added that it does not appear any High Tech High students were involved and that private and group counseling has been made available. NBC 7 also reported that Medina previously taught at High Tech Middle and worked as an outdoor educator in Julian, and that the YMCA said the arrested individual is no longer employed by the organization.

Federal charge and penalties

The federal complaint charges Medina with receiving images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, an offense prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. §2252A. Under that statute, a conviction for knowingly receiving child sexual abuse material carries a prison term of not less than five years and not more than 20 years, with higher penalties in cases involving prior convictions or very young victims, according to the U.S. Code (18 U.S.C. §2252A). The case will proceed in federal court, and further filings are expected to clarify the next steps in the prosecution.

Where to report tips and next steps

High Tech High said it is coordinating with law enforcement and providing support for students and staff while the investigation continues. Anyone with information about potential online sexual exploitation can report tips to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline or contact local police. We will monitor court filings and official school and law enforcement updates as the case develops.