Marin teacher accused of child molestation

Investigators arrested a Mill Valley School District teacher on Tuesday on allegations of child molestation.

Darren Smith, 55, of Fairfax was booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of lewd conduct with a child and continuous sexual abuse of a child, the sheriff’s office reported.

Smith was released after posting bail, sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Schermerhorn said. The bail amount was $200,000.

The Mill Valley School District, following mandatory protocols, contacted authorities on March 28 after hearing about the alleged conduct. Detectives gathered enough evidence to arrest Smith, Schermerhorn said.

The school district has placed Smith on administrative leave, superintendent Elizabeth Kaufman wrote in a letter to parents and guardians on Tuesday.

“The district has zero tolerance for any behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of our students,” Kaufman said.

The district has employed Smith since 2013, according to his online district profile. He has taught music for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Smith could not be reached for comment. The Marin County Superior Court website showed no charges in connection with the case as of Tuesday.