Tustin teacher’s aide arrested for lewd or lascivious acts with a child

Between August 16, 2023, and May 22, 2024, a suspect, Giacomo “Jack” Antonio Valdivieso-Vargas (21 years old) was employed as a Teacher’s Aide at Utt Middle School (Tustin Unified School District).

During this time, an investigation by the Tustin Police Department has revealed Vargas inappropriately touched a 12-year-old girl. It is also alleged Vargas made sexual remarks to two other 12-year-old girls.

Vargas was arrested yesterday and he was booked at the Orange County Jail for Felony Child Abuse, Child Annoyance, and Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14 years old.

The Tustin Police Department is seeking help from the public in identifying anyone else that Vargas may have victimized. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact School Resource Officer Hense at 714-573-3186 or chense@tustinca.org.

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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