MESA, Ariz — The Mesa Police Department has arrested a Mesa Public Schools employee for having multiple sexual encounters with a juvenile student in 2012, police said.
The employee, 39-year-old Jacob Zamora, was arrested after police developed probable cause during their investigation.
The investigation began earlier this year when the victim told police Zamora had multiple sexual encounters before the victim was in 10th grade in 2012. The victim also told police that Zamora would come over to his parents' house every other weekend to have sex.
Zamora admitted to the crime of having sex with the victim during an interview with officers, the department said. He has been charged with three counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
"It's not consent when you are 15 and 16 years old, you’re a victim of a crime," Detective Brandi George with Mesa police said.
Mesa Public Schools said Zamora was a full-time employee at the school. The district sent out the following statement:
"Jacob Zamora is currently the auditorium manager at Skyline High School. He has been employed by the district since October 2001. Due to the recent allegations of inappropriate behavior with a former student, he has been placed on administrative leave. The district will follow its employee discipline due process, which can lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. The school and district had no prior knowledge of the allegations. We encourage anyone who may have additional information relevant to this case to contact Mesa Police."
According to club listing documents on Skyline High School's website, Zamora has served as a club leader in the past to both the Paint Pak and Stage Krew clubs.
The district did not answer 12 News' questions regarding if Zamora had served as a club leader for his tenure with the district, or if Zamora would have been involved in other large school events.
Given the nature of his job, Mesa Police are concerned there could be other victims.
"If you are a victim, please come forward because the possibility that they are out there is immense," Detective Brandi George with Mesa Police Department said.
This is a developing story. Tune into 12 News for the latest information.
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