Crime & Safety
'Inappropriate Relationship' With Student Leads To Santa Monica Teacher's Arrest: PD
The teacher is accused of engaging in what police called an "inappropriate relationship" with a student.
SANTA MONICA, CA — A 58-year-old Santa Monica High School science teacher was arrested Wednesday on charges stemming from an "inappropriate relationship" he had with a 16-year-old female student, according to police.
The science teacher, Ingo Horst Gaida, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of annoying or molesting a child under 18 and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
On Jan. 27, police received a report of a "suspected inappropriate relationship" between Gaida and the student and launched on investigation, the SMPD said.
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"Detectives learned the science teacher and student were engaged in inappropriate activities since the end of 2024. The incidents took place in multiple locations throughout Los Angeles County," police wrote.
Investigators on Wednesday served a search warrant and took Gaida into custody, police said.
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He was cited and released; the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office will review the case for possible prosecution, police said.
Gaida had no prior criminal history, police said.
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