GILBERT, Ariz. — A custodial worker was arrested Wednesday at Ashland Ranch Elementary for sexual misconduct, according to the Scottsdale Police Department.
Michael Aguilar, 40, contacted multiple undercover detectives who he believed were juveniles on a cellphone app and engaged in sexually explicit conversations, according to Scottsdale PD.
Aguilar was arrested for multiple counts of aggravated luring a minor for sexual exploitation and furnishing harmful material to a minor, Scottsdale PD said.
During a post-Miranda interview, Aguilar admitted to initiating contact with both victims and sending numerous sexually explicit messages, according to a probable cause statement from Scottsdale PD. He also admitted to engaging in a sexual conversation with both victims while he was on duty at the school and that he was aware they were 14 and 16 years old.
Gilbert Public Schools said parents were notified as soon as the school was informed of the arrest.
This investigation began as part of Scottsdale PD’s Human Exploitation Unit’s effort to target offenders seeking to sexually exploit children online and engage with them for the purposes of sexual conduct, the department said.
Aguilar was terminated and will not return to any Gilbert Public School campuses, according to the district.
Scottsdale PD said the investigation is ongoing, and there is no indication Aguilar had sexual contact with children.
12 News is following this developing story. Please check back soon for updates.
