Former School Employee Charged with 11 Felony Counts of Abuse

BREAKING: Former Visalia Unified School District employee De Jaun Jones faces 11 felony counts of sexual abuse, following alarming allegations of misconduct involving multiple young women. This urgent case has drawn significant attention after the victim was awarded $8 million in a sexual abuse lawsuit against the district.

According to attorney Brendan Gilbert, who represents the victims, Jones, a 40-year-old campus supervisor at Mount Whitney High School, engaged in inappropriate behavior with a 15-year-old girl during the 2022-2023 school year. Allegations include exchanging nude photos and inappropriate touching. Gilbert described Jones as a “textbook predator” who has a history of victimizing young girls.

“He should not have been rehired by the district in 2022 given that they had released him 10 years before for very serious misconduct,”

Gilbert stated, highlighting that Jones was previously fired from Mount Whitney High in 2013 for similar offenses. His return to the school has raised serious questions about the district’s hiring practices and safety protocols.

Gilbert is now representing a second teenager who has come forward with accusations against Jones, further emphasizing the need for accountability. Prosecutors have confirmed that at least three young women have reported credible allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct against him.

The Tulare County District Attorney’s office has officially charged Jones, and his preliminary hearing is set for November 13. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

The Visalia Unified School District has not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding these grave allegations. The community is left questioning how Jones was allowed to return to a position where he had access to students after being terminated for serious misconduct.

As more details emerge, the implications of this case continue to unfold, prompting urgent discussions about student safety and the responsibility of educational institutions to protect their students.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story progresses, and follow Vince Ybarra on social media for the latest news.