Bay Area school resource office arrested, put on administrative leave for texting minors
A Fairfield school resource officer is facing several charges after allegations surfaced that he was allegedly exchanging inappropriately texts and photos with two underaged females.
Jennifer Brantley, Public Information Officer for the Fairfield Police Department, said a student’s parents called the department on the evening of March 8 to report allegations that James Louis, the school resource officer at Rodriguez High School, had been texting their daughter. According to Brantley, Louis cooperated with police and turned himself in after confronted by law enforcement. He was arrested on Saturday and booked in the Solano County Jail.
“It is our understanding that he has since posted bail, but that is not a process overseen by the department,” said Brantley.
Louis faces several charges, including sending, distributing or exhibiting harmful or obscene material to a minor, contacting or communicating with a minor with the intent to commit a sex crime and knowingly transporting, duplicating or possessing child pornography or other material with the intent to distribute or show it to others.
At this time, Brantley said there are two known victims, both under the age of 18. The Solano County District Attorney’s Major Crimes Task Force has taken over the investigation.
Brantley said, in accordance with due process, Officer Lewis remains on administrative leave, pending the investigation’s conclusion.
“We really can’t emphasize our disappointment with this information enough,” said Brantley. “Our sworn and professional staff are truly held to the very highest standard, and have all developed invaluable relationships and partnerships with the community. Even more than that, we’ve earned a degree of support and trust from the community that many departments strive for, and will continue working tirelessly to ensure the public knows that trust is not misplaced.”
Brantley said it is also of importance to note that there are two officers bearing similar names, and only one is involved in this incident.
“This incident concerns Officer James Louis, formerly a School Resource Officer at Rodriguez High, and not Officer James Lewis, who is a School Resource Officer at Armijo (High School),” said Brantley.