Israel Santiago, 43, of Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County, California, United States worked as a music teacher at the Adelante 1 Dual Language Academy in San Jose, Santa Clara County. He is accused of having inappropriate contact with several students on campus.

At least 10 students have been identified as victims. According to the victims, Santiago assaulted them in the school’s music and band room.

Alum Rock Union School District officials first notified social services instead of police, which led to a delay. The agency did not call police until a couple weeks later. 

“This delay can lead to more children being victimized,” CBS News quoted San Jose Police Department sergeant Christian Camarillo as saying. “It could lead to the destruction of evidence because these suspects are now aware that they are now on the radar.”

On November 7, 2022, the San Jose Police Department was called to the Adelante 1 Dual Language Academy on reports that Santiago was inappropriately touching students. On November 21, 2022, officers from the department arrested the music teacher.

Santiago was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose. He is facing multiple counts of sexual assault and annoying or molesting a child under the age of 12.

Due to Israel Santiago‘s position as a music teacher, San Jose Police Department detectives believe there could be additional victims. Anyone with information about the case or similar incidents is asked to contact the department at (408) 537-1381, 3657@sanjoseca.gov or 3624@sanjoseca.gov.