San Jose’s Kathleen MacDonald High School was rocked by shocking news on Wednesday when police arrested Darrin Garcia, a 53-year-old physical education teacher and athletic director, on suspicion of an unlawful sexual relationship with a student.
Garcia, a long-time figure in Santa Clara County’s education and sports community, was taken into custody by Los Gatos police while on school grounds. The allegations suggest that the relationship took place over a two-year period, from 2021 to 2023, while Garcia was the student’s teacher and athletic coach at Santa Clara High School.
A Community Reacts
In response, Santa Clara Unified School District officials addressed the community with a firm message:
“These are extremely serious charges. The safety and security of our students are our top priorities. The employee was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the results of the active police investigation. We have fully cooperated with their investigation.”
The school district’s reassurance underscores their commitment to student safety, yet the news has left many grappling with shock and concern.
A Larger Investigation
Police have revealed that Garcia is well-known in the Santa Clara County sports scene, having worked at multiple schools throughout his career. The ongoing investigation has prompted authorities to urge anyone with information to come forward. Detective Riley Frizzell can be reached at 408-827-3558 or [email protected].
Not the First Incident
This arrest follows a recent case involving another Kathleen MacDonald High School staff member. Just weeks ago, a teaching assistant was arrested in San Jose on allegations of downloading and sharing child pornography.
What’s Next?
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of students and supporting those affected. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the responsibility schools and communities share in safeguarding young people.
If you have any information, don’t hesitate to reach out to authorities. Together, we can create safer spaces for our students to learn and thrive.
