A troubling case has emerged involving a former school board trustee accused of inappropriate interactions with minors. Christopher Gerard Becerra, aged 42, from the Brea Olinda Unified School District, stands charged with soliciting inappropriate images from two teenage boys, allegedly referring to them as “sexy” in the process.
The allegations against Becerra unfolded in Las Vegas, where he is said to have contacted a 15-year-old former student via social media, requesting pictures and making unsettling remarks. The young boy promptly reported these interactions to his father, leading to his reassignment away from the district.
Details of the Charges
Following an investigation by the Brea Police Department, prosecutors have laid several serious charges against Becerra. He faces two felony counts related to contacting a minor with the intent to commit a specified offense. Additionally, he is charged with misdemeanor counts of annoying or molesting a person believed to be a child, attempting to induce false testimony, and annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18.
In a twist, after being interviewed by law enforcement regarding the accusations, Becerra reportedly encouraged a school board employee on a trip to Las Vegas with him to claim that he had lost his phone, a maneuver that led to further legal complications.
In a similar incident, Becerra allegedly communicated through text messages with another minor, a 17-year-old, during the fall of the previous year, making similar requests and comments.
The Road Ahead for Becerra
Becerra was arrested in December and, if found guilty of all charges, could face up to a year and 10 months in state prison along with an additional two years and three months in the Orange County Jail. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Carly Kray.
Since March, the position on the school board has remained unfilled following Becerra’s absence from meetings starting in November of the previous year. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “The sexual exploitation of children will never be tolerated. It is unconscionable that someone elected to help administer the education of our children would prey on children for his own sexual gratification.”
Spitzer also acknowledged the courage of the child who reported the behavior, stating, “I am grateful for the hard work of the Brea Police Department and for the bravery of a child who came forward to report this disgusting behavior and allow this predator to be held accountable for his actions.”
