A Daly City elementary school is at the center of a criminal scandal after a teacher's aide was arrested and charged with child pornography and molestation. Prosecutors say investigators discovered sexually explicit photos of a student on his phone, including images allegedly taken inside the school's decompression room, which authorities say set off a full criminal investigation. The aide, identified as 37-year-old Wesley David Cole, was taken into custody and is being held in the county jail as the case moves forward.
Detectives recovered about 15 images from Cole's phone that prosecutors say show a girl nude and posed in explicit positions, and several of those images were taken in the decompression room, according to KRON4. Google’s Gmail security team allegedly shut down Cole’s email account and alerted the San Bruno Police Department after spotting suspicious activity, which helped trigger the probe. Court filings cited in the same report state that Cole searched online for child pornography while staying at an Airbnb in Reno last year.
As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, Cole worked at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Elementary School in Daly City and was placed on leave immediately after district officials were notified of the allegations. Superintendent Sandy Mikulik told families the news was “difficult and concerning” and said the district is offering support services for students and parents. The Chronicle also notes that anyone with information can contact Daly City police at 650-991-8175.
Courtroom Timeline and Next Steps
According to KRON4, Cole appeared in San Mateo County Superior Court to face the child pornography and molestation counts and entered a not guilty plea at his first hearing. A judge ordered him to return to court on June 26, 2026, for further proceedings. Prosecutors say they have already presented digital evidence to the district attorney's office and that the investigation remains active.
Legal Context
The complaint outlines felony-level allegations, including production and possession of child sexual abuse material, along with molestation counts, charges that could carry state prison time if proven. Cole is presumed innocent as the case moves through the courts, while prosecutors continue to review the digital evidence and any additional claims that may surface. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, the district attorney's office filed the case after investigators presented their findings.
Parents on Edge and Community Fallout
The arrest has left families and staff shaken and has renewed tough questions about how school employees are screened and monitored. The region has already seen high-profile educator cases in recent months. A former Daly City music teacher pleaded to sex charges earlier this year, a case that underscored how such prosecutions can ripple through small districts, as reported by Hoodline. Authorities say the current investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Daly City police or the San Mateo County District Attorney's office.
