Assistant Principal Accused of Molesting 8 Students at California Elementary School

An assistant principal in California has been accused of a disturbing crime that has sent shockwaves through the local community. David Lane Braff Jr. is facing serious charges for allegedly molesting eight students at McKevett Elementary School in Santa Paula. The accusations span from 2015 to 2019, during Braff's time as a counselor at the school.

The Ventura County District Attorney's office revealed that Braff, 42, is facing 17 felony counts of "lewd acts" involving children between the ages of six and ten. The allegations suggest a pattern of abuse that took place over several years, with Braff allegedly exploiting his position of trust and authority.

According to District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, the crimes Braff is accused of involved planning and sophistication, targeting particularly vulnerable children who were entrusted to his care. Nasarenko expressed deep concern over the breach of trust, stating, "The defendant is alleged to have molested multiple elementary school children over a number of years, shattering the trust placed in him by parents, educators, and the public."

The case against Braff is being taken very seriously, with authorities urging anyone with information about additional victims or crimes to come forward. Given Braff's history of access to children through various educational and youth-based roles, the investigation remains ongoing to ensure all potential victims are identified and supported.

Aside from his role at McKevett Elementary School, Braff is believed to have worked at other schools in Southern California and volunteered for youth organizations. This raises concerns about the extent of his interactions with children and the need to thoroughly investigate his activities across different settings.

Following his arrest, Braff is currently in custody at Ventura County jail on a bail of $3 million. The seriousness of the charges has prompted the involvement of Senior Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker, who is leading the prosecution in this case.

Both the Santa Paula Unified School District and Ingenium Charter Middle School, where Braff later worked as an assistant principal, have responded to the allegations. The Santa Paula Unified School District emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that they are cooperating fully with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Ingenium Charter Middle School also issued a statement, assuring the community that they have taken immediate actions to ensure the safety of their students. The school reiterated its dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of the community, expressing sympathy for those affected by the situation.

The legal process will continue to unfold as Braff is scheduled to appear at Ventura County Superior Court to face his criminal charges. The community is encouraged to come forward with any relevant information by contacting Ventura County District Attorney Investigator Greg Webb.

For those who suspect child abuse or have information related to such cases, there are resources available for support. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline offers confidential assistance 24/7 in multiple languages, providing a crucial lifeline for those in need of help.

The allegations against Braff serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding the well-being of children in educational settings. The case underscores the need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring to prevent such incidents and protect vulnerable individuals from harm.