A former band coach at Claremont High School was arrested for child abuse and contact with a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense on Wednesday. September 11. The suspect, Daniel Gonzalez, 25, of Montclair was booked into the Claremont jail after an investigation revealed he had been engaged in “inappropriate relations” with a 17-year-old male.

The Claremont Police Department received information on September 2 that Mr. Gonzalez had been involved with the teen, who he allegedly met while employed as the CHS band coach. On Wednesday, Mr. Gonzalez agreed to meet with the minor at 5:30 p.m. at an undisclosed location in Claremont. Claremont police were waiting at the meet point, and Mr. Gonzalez was arrested.

Police shared no further details about the nature of the relationship.

The Claremont Police Department is looking for other potential victims and witnesses to this or any other similar criminal activity. Anyone with information is urged to call police at (909) 399-5411.

CUSD Superintendent Jim Elsasser said the former classified employee has not worked for the school district since the 2017-2018 school year and that all district employees are fingerprinted and screened for criminal background by the California Department of Justice Prior to being hired.

“The district had no knowledge of any prior criminal activity by the former employee at the time of hire,” he said.

In an email to the Claremont High School community, principal Brett O’Connor related that the high school does not tolerate inappropriate behavior affecting its students.

 “Our unwavering commitment has been, and always will be, the education, safety and well-being of our students,” Mr. O’Connor wrote.

Mr. Gonzalez was released after posting the $100,000 bail. His arraignment date is scheduled for October 10 at Pomona Superior Court.

—Kathryn Dunn

editor@claremont-courier.com