Alvin, CA – A former Arvin High School teacher, Michael Joseph Parra, was sentenced Thursday after admitting to a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. Parra received two years of probation, 180 days in Kern County Jail, and a 10-year criminal protective order. He must also pay restitution and register as a sex offender.
Former Arvin High Teacher Sentenced for Relationship with Student
In August, Parra entered a plea of no contest to two felony counts — oral copulation with a minor and unlawful sexual intercourse. Prosecutors dismissed five other charges as part of the plea agreement.
Discovery and Arrest of Teacher
Investigators began looking into Parra’s conduct after his wife reported finding sexually explicit messages between him and a student in November 2023. According to police reports, the teen admitted to having a sexual relationship with Parra, who was 44 at the time.
Details of the Teacher’s Relationship with Underage Student
Court documents reveal the student said she had sex with Parra on a futon above his classroom and in a storage closet on campus. The documents allege Parra also brought her into the school building after hours to meet privately.
Holding Schools Accountable: Legal Paths for Victims of Teacher Misconduct
When allegations of abuse involve a trusted educator, families often struggle to understand what steps to take next. In this interview, California sexual abuse lawyer Jason Amala shares how the law protects students and what options victims and their families have when misconduct occurs within a school setting.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Cases like this often raise questions from parents. What can families do if their child was harmed by a teacher?
Jason Amala, Esq.: The first step is reporting the abuse to law enforcement, but families should also understand that they have civil legal rights. They can file a lawsuit not only against the offender but also against the school district if it failed to act on warning signs or complaints.
Banville: How difficult is it to hold a district accountable?
Amala: It depends on the evidence. We look for signs of negligence — whether administrators ignored reports, missed red flags, or failed to supervise. California law allows victims to seek damages for emotional trauma and future counseling costs.
Banville: For families unsure where to begin, what’s the best approach?
Amala: Contacting an attorney experienced in school abuse cases is key. These cases require careful investigation to uncover what the district knew and when. Early legal action often helps preserve vital evidence and witness statements.
Support for Families Seeking Accountability
Victims and their families don’t have to face the legal system alone. Our experienced attorneys stand ready to review cases involving misconduct by teachers or school staff and help families understand their legal options. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward holding those responsible for abuse accountable.
