RivCo 4th Grade Teacher Suspected Of Sexually Assaulting Student

RIVERSIDE, CA — A 53-year-old teacher at a Riverside elementary school was arrested on Feb. 12 on suspicion of sexually abusing his former student, authorities said.

The investigation began one day before 53-year-old Hector Edward Zaldivar of Ontario was taken into custody, according to the Riverside Police Department.

On Feb. 11, a female student reported that her former 4th grade teacher sexually abused her during summer school in June 2022 at Terrance Elementary in Riverside, officials said.

The next day, Zaldivar, who the Alvord Unified School District employs, was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, "using force," police said.

The school district confirmed that it has placed Zaldivar on immediate administrative leave.

"We encourage parents to have open conversations with their children and reach out if they need guidance or support," the district said in a statement. "We understand that this news is deeply troubling, and we remain committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students."

Police believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information regarding Zaldivar is urged to contact Sexual Assault – Child Abuse SACA Detective Steven Espinosa at 951-353-7120 or SEspinosa@RiversideCA.gov.

For anonymous tips, use the RPD's Atlas 1 mobile app, which offers a secure messaging feature.

"The health and safety of our students is our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with the Riverside Police Department as they conduct their investigation," the district said.