By Sara Beth Williams–
A substitute teacher accused of sexually abusing minors was arrested by Citrus Heights Police on Thursday.
In a press release on Jan. 23, Citrus Heights Police announced the arrest of 58-year-old Ricky Linan on multiple charges, including lewd acts with minors under 14 and possession of child pornography. Linan was arrested at his residence and is now being held at the Sacramento County Main Jail on $1.7 million bail, according to police.
In a safety update on the district’s website, San Juan Unified School District confirmed that Linan served as a substitute teacher in the district for Discovery Club after-school programs at Mariposa Avenue Elementary, Cambridge Heights Elementary, Woodside K-8, and multiple other schools outside of Citrus Heights.
On Dec. 2, police said the department initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving a substitute teacher employed within an after-school program in the San Juan Unified School District. The alleged suspect was immediately placed on administrative leave, denying him access to additional students, police said.
“Through a collaborative investigation with the school district and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, detectives uncovered evidence of the crime, identified additional minor victims, and confirmed further offenses,” police said in the press release, adding that the department is “working closely” with partner agencies to provide resources and support to victims and families that have been affected.
San Juan Unified said in a statement on their website that school staff and administration are assisting law enforcement and that any families with concerns can contact the Citrus Heights Police Department. Counseling services are also available to any student, and a webpage with tips to guide families through difficult conversations has been made available.
Police are now asking for any information from students who may have been in contact with the suspect. Parents who suspect their child may have had contact with Linan can contact the Citrus Heights investigations unit at (916) 727-5524 to speak with detectives.
“The safety of our children is our highest priority, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice and protecting the vulnerable members of our community,” police said.
