Ukiah, CA - A Mendocino County high school journalism teacher has been arrested on allegations of sending sexually suggestive messages and images to a 17-year-old student through social media, according to the Mendocino Voice.
Matthew LaFever of Hopland was taken into custody Monday by Ukiah police. Jail records confirm he was released after posting $10,000 bail. The Ukiah Unified School District placed LaFever on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Mendocino County Teacher Arrested Over Alleged Messages to Student
Authorities stated that the alleged conduct involved a student at Ukiah High School, located at 1000 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482. The district confirmed it is cooperating with law enforcement while conducting its own internal review.
Reached by phone on Thursday, LaFever declined to comment on the arrest or identify his attorney. Mendocino County District Attorney C. David Eyster did not respond to calls for comment.
Background on LaFever’s Media Work
In addition to his teaching position, LaFever runs a local news website, MendoFever, which is currently offline. He has also been listed as a contributing editor for SFGATE, a San Francisco-based outlet.
Statewide Response and Accountability Efforts
California officials are developing a public database of offenders and expanding training programs to prevent student abuse within school systems.
Local governments, including cities and counties, face related legal risks. Los Angeles County’s projected payouts for abuse incidents at its juvenile facilities are expected to reach approximately $5 million.
Understanding Legal Rights After Teacher Misconduct Allegations
Families often face confusion and uncertainty when a trusted educator is accused of sexual misconduct involving a student. In this interview, we spoke with California sexual abuse lawyer Jason Amala about the legal avenues available to victims and their families, the role of school district accountability, and the protections afforded under current state law.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: In a case like this, where an educator is facing allegations involving a minor, what options do families typically have under California law?
Jason Amala, Esq.: Families can file a civil claim against both the individual and the school district if it’s believed the district failed to act on warning signs or enforce proper safeguards. The 2020 law changed the landscape by reopening the filing window for older cases and extending deadlines for new ones.
Banville: How do these civil claims differ from criminal proceedings?
Amala: Criminal cases focus on punishment, while civil actions aim to hold institutions accountable for negligence and to secure compensation for emotional and psychological harm. Many families use both approaches to ensure accountability.
Banville: Are there steps parents can take immediately after learning of such allegations?
Amala: Yes. Parents should report the incident to law enforcement and consult an attorney experienced in abuse cases. It’s also advisable to request district records or prior complaints that could reveal patterns of misconduct.
Protecting Families and Standing Up for Victims
Victims and their families should never face the aftermath of teacher misconduct alone. Legal options are available to hold responsible parties accountable and seek fair compensation. Our team is here to listen, guide, and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
