Regional Occupational Program Teacher Contacted a Minor 

with Intent to Commit a Sex Crime

 Friday, April 22, 2022, San Bernardino County Sheriff Investigators and Crimes Against Children (CAC) Detail and Central Station conducted an investigation regarding an inappropriate relationship between CRY-ROP teacher, LRod Jara, and a student.  Jara is employed with Colton, Redlands, Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program CRY-ROP assigned to Redlands East Valley High School. Jara has been on administrative leave since April of 2022.   

During the course (April to June 2022) of the investigation, Detectives discovered Jara sent inappropriate text messages to the minor.  

Thursday, June 2, 2022, Jara was arrested for violation of California Penal Code section 288.3(a) - Contacting a Minor with the Intent to Commit a Sex Crime.  He was booked in at the Central Detention Center and later released on a $50,000 bail bond.  

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are releasing his booking photograph - LRod Jara, 49-years-old, resident of Mentone

                                            

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Katie Merrill of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or caller may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com    

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department

SBSD - Headquarters
          655 E 3rd Street     San Bernardino, CA 92408

Contact
Emergency:
9-1-1
Non-emergencies:
909-387-3700