PUSD responds to Toledo's arrest
The Porterville Unified School District has released a reply following Wednesday’s arrest of Franco Toledo, 22, for inappropriate sexual acts with a minor that allegedly occurred approximately three years ago.
Superintendent John Snavely on Thursday reported Toledo was employed with the Youth Experience Success Program through the Porterville Unified School District and had served as a volunteer with the Pioneer Middle School Band and Granite hills High School Band for approximately one year.
Upon hearing of the arrest, the district and the city of Porterville, the actual employer for YES employees, immediately began an investigation as to the circumstances involved in the case, and the city and school district’s role in the matter.
“As is our practice, there was no time when the suspect was alone with any student while serving as a volunteer or while employed in the YES program,” Snavely said in a press release. “We wish to confirm that at this point, there is no evidence to suggest that any student of the Porterville Unified School District is involved with this case, nor was there any contact or act on a school campus.”
Toledo went through a thorough background check and clearance before being hired to work with students. While the investigation continues, school officials have no knowledge of any direct or indirect involvement with the case.
“We also wish to confirm that, as of today, [Toledo] is no longer an employee of the city of Porterville or involved with children in any way with the Porterville Unified School District,” Snavely said in the press release. “The administrations of the city of Porterville and the Porterville Unified School District greatly value the safety of children and will take whatever precautionary measure necessary to advance child safety. We are appreciative and grateful to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office for their swift investigation and action to address this matter.”
Toledo is being held in lieu of $300,000 bail at the Tulare County Main Jail.
Anyone with additional information can contact Det. Ronna Brewer or Sgt. Harold Liles at 735-1970.
