Coachella Valley School Employee Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Assault

A Coachella Valley Unified School District employee is out on bail tonight after being arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a student. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department began investigating 42-year-old Mario Manuel Valenzuela, a special education employee at Coachella Valley High School, in December 2024 following an allegation from a student. According to staff directory records, Valenzuela is listed as part of the special education department at the school.

The investigation was launched after the student came forward and reported the assault to school officials. Valenzuela was taken into custody last Friday but was released from jail after posting $10,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for March 20th. The authorities have asked anyone with additional information to contact the Thermal Sheriff Station.

In response to the situation, the Coachella Valley Unified School District issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the ongoing investigation. "We do not tolerate any inappropriate behavior in our district, and the safety of our students and staff is a priority," the district's statement read. At this time, the school district has not provided further comment.

As the investigation continues, both students and parents are urged to stay vigilant, and the district has assured that it is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.