Police Continue to Investigate Former Head Start Teacher for Sex Crimes

Pasadena police say a suspect arrested late last year for child molestation who admitted to the crime may also have been involved in other crimes while employed as a substitute teacher at a local Head Start school, and that authorities are continuing their investigation.

Police say officers were called to a Pasadena home by the family of a four-year-old victim and arrested Miguel Angel Garcia, 25,  of Pasadena, for committing lewd acts upon the child.  Garcia is a relative of the child.

After questioning Garcia admitted to child molestation, according to police.

On January 3, 2012, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office filed three felony counts of Penal Code Section 288(a), lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under the age of 14-years-old against Garcia.

Garcia pled guilty to one count of 288(a) lewd acts with a child in March.

Garcia remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He is also being held on an Immigration hold.

During the investigation, Pasadena Police Detectives learned Garcia was previously employed as a substitute teacher. As a precaution, detectives notified the facility of the arrest and administrators notified parents. No additional criminal allegations have been brought forth and there are no indications of other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pasadena Police Detectives at (626) 744-4241 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-Tips.