Santa Ana Substitute Teacher Accused Of Molesting Four Girls

SANTA ANA, CA — A substitute teacher in Santa Ana was arrested and accused of molesting four girls while teaching at Adams Elementary School, police said.

Peter Morales, 69, was arrested on suspicion of child molestation on May 6, the Santa Ana Police Department announced Friday. No charges had been filed as of Friday.

Morales was released from custody a day later after posting $100,000 bail.

Morales was accused of molesting four girls while teaching at Adams Elementary School, Santa Ana police said. The four girls were between the ages of 8 and 9.

Santa Ana police said Morales inappropriately touched them in a classroom "individually and at different times throughout the day."

The girls subsequently told officials at Adams Elementary about the molestation, police said.

Morales taught for 18 years with the Santa Ana Unified School District before becoming a teacher. He was removed as a substitute teacher for the district as soon as school officials were made aware of the allegations, according to an email the district sent Friday to parents.

The district "will continue to do everything we can to provide a safe learning environment for all students," the email said. "We appreciate the quick response by law enforcement in this matter."

Anyone with information about Morales was asked to contact Santa Ana Police detective Anthony Pacheco at 714-245-8352 or by email.