McKinley Teacher Arrested, Placed on Leave After Molestation Allegations

The Pasadena Unified School District has placed a teacher on administrative leave after being arrested on suspicion of child molestation and several other charges.

McKinley School Principal Dr. Merian Stewart said the school immediately reported the allegations to the Pasadena Police Department.

“After an initial investigation, the Police Department took the teacher into custody,” according to Stewart.

Stewart said the police immediately responded and arrested Michael J. Medina, 34, of Glendale. Medina has since posted $100,000 bond. 

Detectives from the Pasadena Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) responded to McKinley School. Police said that over several hours, SVU detectives conducted interviews, examined digital evidence, and executed a search warrant at two locations. 

Police said that during the investigation, detectives obtained evidence related to the molestation of a 14-year-old student and to suspect’s possession of child pornography.

According to a statement by PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald, Medina has been a teacher with the district since August 2022. 

Before beginning employment with PUSD, all employees are subject to an exhaustive screening, including fingerprinting and background checks by the California Department of Justice. 

“The allegations are deeply disturbing and if proven to be true, the District will act promptly and take appropriate action,” said McDonald. “Our main focus is to support our students and staff during this difficult time.” 

“PUSD has placed the teacher on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation. This is an ongoing police investigation, and we will provide you with updates as soon as possible,” Principal Dr. Merian Stewart said.

“We have, and will continue to fully cooperate with the Pasadena Police Department. The safety of our students is always our highest priority and we are committed to following all safety policies and procedures. If true, the allegations are deeply troubling. We will be working to support all of our students and staff. We will assign a highly qualified teacher as a substitute.”

School Board President Michele Richardson Bailey told Pasadena Now that she found the allegations beyond disturbing. 

“Our first priority is the well-being of our students,” Bailey said. “Upon hearing the allegations the district acted quickly and got law enforcement involved. This matter is currently being investigated by the police.” 

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police at (626)-744-4241 or report information anonymously by contacting “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-

TIPS (8477), via your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.