Teacher Arrested for Sexual Abuse at LA Private School

A teacher from a well-regarded private school in Los Angeles County has been arrested after facing multiple charges related to sexual abuse of female students and child pornography.

Travis Takeshi Shojiei, 39, is currently being held on a $1 million bail following accusations that he secretly captured intimate images of at least four students, with the possibility that there could be more victims, as reported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Alongside these charges, he was also found with child pornography.

Shojinaga, who had been with the school for ten years, was taken into custody on February 25 for allegedly photographing an 11-year-old student inappropriately at Viewpoint School in Calabasas.

The school, which charges $55,000 a year, informed concerned parents that the teacher was dismissed for “inappropriate conduct that occurred on campus,” noting that it didn’t involve physical interaction.

Among the school’s notable alumni are Tiffany Trump and basketball player Mii Oni from the Utah Jazz.

“The allegations in this case reflect a grave and deliberate breach of the safety, dignity, and rights of children,” commented District Attorney Nathan J. Hockman.

“Educational institutions in our community should be safe havens for our children. We suspect there may be additional victims and urge anyone with information to reach out to law enforcement.”

“Individuals who engage in crimes against children, particularly in school settings, will face the harshest possible legal repercussions,” Hockman added.

Shojinaga has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. A preliminary hearing is set for March 12 in the Van Nuys Courthouse.

If found guilty, he could face over three years in prison.

Viewpoint School Principal Mark McKee stated that administrators alerted the police as soon as they learned about the allegations against Shojinaga.

“The employee was promptly detained, and his employment was terminated,” McKee noted.

He added that the school is cooperating with law enforcement and will also conduct an internal investigation with external agencies.

Shojinaga’s Facebook indicates he has been with Viewpoint School for over a decade.

In McKee’s statement, he offered counseling to students and encouraged anyone with concerns to come forward.

“We realize that this situation is incredibly distressing,” McKee wrote. “We will continue to provide counseling resources to anyone in our community who requires support.”