MVPD arrests teacher in case stemming from inappropriate text messages

JOINT PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF THE MOUNTAIN VIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE MOUNTAIN VIEW LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT



A Mountain View High School teacher was arrested this morning after school officials learned that he had been sending inappropriate text messages to a student.



The teacher, identified as Evan Smith, has been a math teacher at Mountain View High for 15 years. Mountain View Los Altos High School District (MVLA) confirmed that Smith will be on paid administrative leave during the investigation.



Officers were notified by school officials Monday afternoon of the communications between the student and the teacher, and immediately began their investigation.



Smith was arrested on one count of sending harmful matter to a minor. Please note that this is an ongoing investigation, and Mountain View officers are concerned that there may be additional victims in this case. If you have information on anyone who may have been a victim, or if you believe you have been a victim, please reach out to either Det. Frank Rivas at 650-903-6388 or Sgt. Dan Vicencio at 650-903-6386.



The Mountain View Police Department is greatly appreciative for the cooperation and assistance of the Mountain View Los Altos High School District. We understand that this incident is disconcerting for both students and parents, and we want you to know that as soon as district officials became aware of what was going on, they contacted us immediately. Because of their swift notification, we were able to begin to address this case as soon as possible. We thank them for their vigilant care and concern for the wellbeing of their students.



Student safety is a top priority of the MVLA High School District. School officials applaud the student for coming forward so action could be taken, and encourage any student who may experience harassment to contact a teacher, counselor or Principal Dave Grissom.



Any additional questions regarding the criminal aspects of the case can be directed to Mountain View Police Department PIO Katie Nelson at policepio@mountainview.gov. Any additional questions in regards to Mountain View High School can be directed to district communications manager Cynthia Greaves at cynthia.greaves@mvla.net.