Story perspectives

Three California Teachers Arrested for Child Exploitation Crimes

1/29/2026

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Teachers Charged with Abuse

Joseph Zyburt, a teacher at La Costa Canyon High School in California, was arrested for possessing child sexual abuse material after an investigation revealed he attempted to purchase it online.
The California Attorney General highlighted the betrayal of trust by educators in Zyburt's case.
Nick Andrew Maag, a teacher at Vale High School, faces charges of online sexual corruption of a child and luring a minor.
Paul Varoff, a former band teacher in El Dorado County, was arrested for alleged sexual abuse of a child, with accusations covering multiple locations and timeframes.

Right

Caitlin Rock Convicted

Caitlin Rock, a former employee of the Washoe County School District, was found guilty on 19 felony counts for a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old student.
The jury reached the verdict after six hours of deliberation, with the abuse lasting over a year at Billinghurst and Swope Middle Schools.
Charges included sexual assault and statutory sexual seduction, leading to Rock's arrest on June 11, 2024, after the victim reported the abuse.
Rock faces a potential life sentence at her sentencing in April, with the victim's identity kept confidential due to their age.

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Kent Cable Arrested

Kent Cable, a 55-year-old Lakeside Union School District employee in California, was arrested on January 25, 2026.
He faces three counts of sexual penetration with a child under ten and four counts of lewd acts on a child under 14.
The San Diego Sheriff's Office began investigating after receiving allegations on September 8, 2025.
He is scheduled for arraignment at the East County courthouse.

History

Historical Context

The Child Protection Act of 1984 strengthened federal laws against child sexual exploitation, building on the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act of 1977. This legislation made it illegal to purchase or possess child pornography, reflecting growing public concern over child safety. Recent cases, like that of Joseph Zyburt, underscore the ongoing need for vigilant oversight in educational environments to protect vulnerable students.

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Teachers Charged with Abuse

Joseph Zyburt, a teacher at La Costa Canyon High School in California, was arrested for possessing child sexual abuse material after an investigation revealed he attempted to purchase it online.
The California Attorney General highlighted the betrayal of trust by educators in Zyburt's case.
Nick Andrew Maag, a teacher at Vale High School, faces charges of online sexual corruption of a child and luring a minor.
Paul Varoff, a former band teacher in El Dorado County, was arrested for alleged sexual abuse of a child, with accusations covering multiple locations and timeframes.

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