Teacher arrested, suspected of sexual assault

A music teacher in San Jose was arrested Monday on suspicion of sexually assaulting multiple minors at the school where he worked, police said.

San Jose police took Israel Santiago, 43, a teacher at the Adelante Dual Language Academy in East San Jose, into custody on Monday, officials said.

This month, a San Jose Police Department division focused on internet crimes against children began investigating allegations that Santiago had inappropriate contact with several children in the school’s music room, police said.

Detectives interviewed several students who said Santiago had inappropriately touched them. At least 10 victims reported such conduct, police said.

Santiago was arrested in Morgan Hill. He was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on multiple counts of sexual assault.

Alum Rock Union School District Superintendent Hilaria Bauer said that the district notified the police department after receiving allegations against Santiago. He was removed from his duties at the school, she said.

“This individual has not been present on any district property since Nov. 1 and they were directed by the District to not have any contact with students, faculty, or other district employees,” Bauer said in a statement.

Bauer added that every ARUSD employee who has contact with youth must undergo a background check prior to employment.

Detectives say they believe there could be additional victims.

Anyone with information about the alleged incidents is urged to contact San Jose police.