In a troubling case that has sent shockwaves through a prestigious Calabasas private academy, prosecutors have charged a teacher with child molestation and child pornography in connection with allegations of inappropriate photographs of students. The accusations have emerged from Viewpoint School, an institution known for its high-profile alumni, including the daughter of former President Donald Trump.
Travis Shojinaga, a 39-year-old educator at Viewpoint School, faces serious legal charges, including four counts of misdemeanor child molestation and a single count of felony possession of child pornography. These charges followed Shojinaga’s arrest on Wednesday, as detailed in court documents.
Currently detained at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s station, Shojinaga is awaiting arraignment, which is anticipated to take place on Friday. If found guilty, he could face a sentence exceeding three years in prison.
In response to these grave allegations, Viewpoint School, which commands an annual tuition fee of $55,000, released a statement addressing the situation. The institution informed parents that a staff member had been dismissed due to “inappropriate behavior that occurred on campus,” clarifying that the misconduct did not involve any physical contact.
Mark McKee, the Head of School at Viewpoint, assured parents in a letter that the administration promptly involved law enforcement upon discovering the allegations against Shojinaga. “The employee was subsequently taken into custody, and his employment has been terminated,” McKee stated, emphasizing the school’s commitment to student safety and swift action in response to the allegations.
“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.
Graduates of the Viewpoint School include President Trump’s youngest daughter, Tiffany, and former NBA player Miye Oni.
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.”
