High School teacher arrested

Courtesy image.

According to an Aug. 3 Grossmont Union High School District statement, former Granite Hills High School teacher Gerald Lopez, 54, was arrested by El Cajon police that same day on two felony charges: possession of obscene material of a minor in a sexual act, and harmful matter sent with the intent to seduce a minor. Lopez was also charged with the misdemeanor offense: to annoy or molest a victim under the age of 18.

ECPD Public Information Officer Lt. Randy Soulard did not know if Lopez was in custody as of Aug. 9.

District officials had previously reported Lopez to both El Cajon police and the department of child welfare services on June 14 for undisclosed reasons, then placed Lopez on leave while conducting a district investigation.

In order to protect the privacy of those involved, including an undisclosed number of minors, GUHSD Director of Public Affairs and Legislative Relations Collin McGlashen said the district was unable to provide additional information. A trial date for Lopez has not been announced.