A teacher from a renowned private school in Los Angeles County has been incarcerated following charges of molestation involving several female students, alongside allegations of possessing child pornography.
Travis Takeshi Shojinaga, aged 39, faces a $1 million bail amidst alarming accusations that he clandestinely captured intimate photographs of at least four students. Authorities from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office suggest there may be additional victims.
Investigations revealed that Shojinaga was also in possession of child pornography.
Shojinaga, who spent a decade teaching at the institution, was apprehended on February 25 at Viewpoint School in Calabasas after allegedly taking inappropriate photographs of an 11-year-old student.
The school, which charges $55,000 annually, issued a statement to reassure parents, revealing that a faculty member had been dismissed due to “inappropriate behavior on campus” that did not involve physical contact.
Viewpoint School counts notable figures such as Tiffany Trump and Utah Jazz player Miyi Oni among its alumni.
“The accusations in this case are disgusting and deliberate violations of children’s safety, dignity and rights,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
“Our community’s schools are meant to be safe and protected environments for youths. We believe there may be more victims and encourage anyone with information to call law enforcement.
”Anyone who chooses to commit crimes against children, especially on a school campus, will be criminally prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Shojinaga pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for March 12 in Department 105 of the Van Nuys Courthouse.
He faces more than three years in prison if convicted.
Viewpoint Head of School Mark McKee said in the letter that administrators contacted police as soon as they learned of the accusations against Shojinaga.
“The employee was subsequently taken into custody, and his employment has been terminated,” McKee said.
McKee said the academy is working with law enforcement and it will conduct its own investigation with an outside party.
According to his Facebook profile, Shojinaga worked at the Viewpoint School for more than a decade.
In his statement, McKee offered counseling to students and encouraged them to come forward if they had any concerns.
“We understand this situation is deeply upsetting,” McKee wrote. “We will be making resources, including counseling, available for anyone in our community who may need support.”
