SAUSD choir teacher arrested for allegedly having an illicit relationship with a teenager

November 16, 2024— Santa Ana Police have arrested a 37-year-old high school choir teacher on charges of s*xual assault involving her student.

On November 15, 2024, at approximately 6 p.m., Santa Ana Police Officers responded to Santa Ana High School regarding a report of a student involved in an inappropriate relationship with a teacher.

Upon contact, the victim, a 17-year-old senior, reported that he had been having s*xual relations with his choir teacher for approximately six months.

The suspect was identified as Yessenia Navarro Garcia (37) of Orange. Garcia has been employed by Santa Ana High School for approximately five years as a full-time choir teacher.

During the investigation, the victim texted Garcia to meet at a location in Santa Ana, and upon her arrival, she was taken into custody by officers. Garcia admitted to all of the sexual acts that the victim reported. Garcia was booked at the Santa Ana Jail on several sexual assault-related charges, and her bail was set at $100,000.00.

Detectives believe there could be additional victims or witnesses to the crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective M. Tapia at 714-245-8379, mtapia@santa-ana.org, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.