Morgan Hill teacher accused of assaulting student

MORGAN HILL, Calif. (KGO) -- A teacher at Paradise Valley Elementary School in Morgan Hill is being accused of sexually assaulting a young student inside his classroom. Police and parents are worried there may be more victims.

John Arthur Loyd, 52, is behind bars at the Santa Clara County jail on $250,000 bail. Police say he inappropriately touched a student on campus and tried to convince the child not to tell anyone.

"The sexual assault occurred at the school on two different occasions, twice within the last 30 days," Morgan Hill Police Sgt. Ray Ramos said.

The incident is believed to have taken place during school hours. Loyd was arrested at his home in Hollister.

The victim told a staff member at the school about her teacher's behavior. That person alerted the principal who called police.

The superintendent sent home a letter and put Loyd on administrative leave.

"Our number one priority is student safety and that student-learning continue to happen at that school," Asst. Superintendent of human resources Fawn Myers said.

Parents are appalled by the allegations. Veronica told ABC7 News, "It's really shocking because it's really a close-knit school community."

Emilio Torrez says his daughter had Loyd as a teacher. She often stayed after school to get help on homework assignments. Torrez told ABC7 News, "Knowing that my daughter was by herself with two other students after school hours is kind of concerning."

Loyd has been at the school since 2008, but in the Morgan Hill Unified School District since 2000. He teaches fifth grade and created a newsletter with his students -- called Room 9 Times.

Detectives are urging parents to talk with their kids to see if there are more victims.