California private school teacher arrested for secretly taking intimate photos of female students

A veteran teacher at an elite Southern California private school has been arrested and charged after prosecutors allege he secretly took inappropriate photographs of at least four female students, authorities confirmed Friday.Travis Takeshi Shojinaga (39) of Sylmar was taken into custody on the campus of Viewpoint School in Calabasas on Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. The school, known for its rigorous academics and annual tuition exceeding USD 45,000, described the revelations as “deeply troubling.”Shojinaga, who taught at the K‑12 institution for a decade, is charged with one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material and four misdemeanor counts of annoying or molesting a child under 18, prosecutors said.

He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Feb. 27 and is being held on USD 1 million bail ahead of his next hearing scheduled for March 12.According to authorities, the investigation began when an 11‑year‑old student reported that Shojinaga had been taking inappropriate photos of female classmates without their knowledge. Detectives soon discovered evidence suggesting he had compiled intimate images of multiple underage students.

In a statement, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said prosecutors believe there may be additional victims and urged anyone with information to come forward.District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the alleged conduct, calling it a “disgusting and deliberate violation of children’s safety, dignity and rights.”“Schools are meant to be safe environments for youth,” Hochman said, stressing that anyone who preys on children on campus will be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.”Viewpoint School officials said Shojinaga’s employment was immediately terminated following his arrest. The school is cooperating fully with law enforcement and has retained the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers to conduct an independent third‑party investigation, facilitated by its Campus Safety and Security teams.“The safety and well‑being of our students, families, teachers and entire community remain our highest priority,” the school said in a statement to PEOPLE.Authorities noted that while the allegations involve inappropriate photography, they currently do not include claims of physical contact.If convicted, Shojinaga faces up to seven years in state prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life, prosecutors said.Anyone who may have been victimised or has further information is urged to contact Sergeant Joe Cerda at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau at (562) 946‑8216. Anonymous tips can also be provided to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222‑TIPS (8477).