On Sept. 6, East Palo Alto police launched an investigation into allegations that 54-year-old James Edward Fitch of Stockton “committed lewd acts with a minor at his place of work,” Police Chief Jeff Liu said in a news release.
According to Liu and the college's website, Fitch served as the college's campus relations coordinator.
Liu said investigators had “established sufficient probable cause to arrest Fitch. He is charged with three counts of sexual assault of a minor and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual assault.”
On Monday, police, in cooperation with the United States Marshals Service, executed a $500,000 arrest warrant and a search of Fitch's apartment, Liu said.
Fitch was expected to be taken to the San Mateo County Jail.
Commander David Santos, a police department spokesman, said he couldn’t provide further details in regards to the case, including when the alleged crimes occurred, since the investigation was still ongoing.
“We wanted to share what we had so the public is aware of the situation, and if anyone has information that may be helpful to the investigation, we encourage them to share it with us,” Santos said in an email to this news organization.
Gina Sudaria, superintendent of the Ravenswood City School District, didn’t immediately reply to a call and email in search of details about Fitch's employment status.
Anyone with information in regards to the case can contact Detective Sgt. Jose Luaorozco at 650-629-4538. Those wishing to stay anonymous can call or text 650-409-6792 or email epa@tipnow.org.
Check back later for updates.
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