A music teacher at Bonita Vista High School is free on $325,000 bond after appearing in court and denying charges he had sex with a male teen-age student 5-6 years ago.
Jason Jerome Mangan-Magabilin, 38, has been band director at the Chula Vista school since 2006. He was arraigned last week in Chula Vista Superior Court on 13 charges that allege he committed oral copulation and other sex acts with a minor in 2010 and 2011.
The victim, who is believed to be now 22 years old, recently told authorities about the alleged incidents between him and Mangan-Magabilin when he was between 15 and 17 years old. They were alleged to have occurred in offices at the band room or in his home.
Two messages were left with his attorney on Friday, but she could not be reached for comment. He has pleaded not guilty. A number of supporters appeared with Mangan-Magabilin as he left the courthouse.
An Oct. 26 preliminary hearing was set. He waived his right to have a quicker hearing.
Manuel Rubio, a spokesman for the Sweetwater Union High School District, said Friday he could not comment on the teacher’s status at the school because it was a personnel issue.
However, the president of the Club Blue Instrumental music program at the high school wrote in a newsletter dated Saturday that a search for a new band director has started. Interviews with applicants would be conducted this week, according to the newsletter.
In a statement by the district, Rubio said “the district is committed to assisting law enforcement and conducting personnel investigations in each matter.” It said “the district is currently actively working with law enforcement.”
“We ask that you allow our staff to focus their attention during these trying times on the learning environment of our students,” the statement concluded.
