Michael Merrick, 47, of Lafayette was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child, among other charges, police said.
Merrick, who is a teacher at Stanley Middle School in Lafayette, tutors children on a private basis at the school and also serves as a youth sports coach, according to police.
On Monday, police received reports of a molestation at the school. The victim told police the molestation occurred during tutoring sessions and also involved sexual text messages received from Merrick.
Merrick was booked for the above charges as well as exhibition of lewd material to a minor, contact or communication with a minor to commit an offense, unnatural sexual interest in a child, and distributing harmful material to a minor.
He is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $3,050,000 bail.
Detectives said they believe Merrick may have molested other suspects, given the number of students he is in contact with at the school.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Berch Parker at (925) 299-3222.
