San Jose teacher arrested, charged with sex assaulting student

Police arrested a San Jose elementary school teacher Tuesday on suspicion of aggravated sexual assault of a child, police said.

Craig Chandler, 35, was arrested at his San Jose home that afternoon on suspicion of sexual assault

Chandler had taught for nine years at O.B. Whaley Elementary School in east San Jose, and at the time of his arrest he was teaching a class that consisted of both second and third graders.

“The teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations,” said Dan Deguara, director of educational services at the Evergreen School District.

“He seemed like a very nice guy,” said Michael Herrera, an O.B. Whaley student’s grandparent. “That's why we're all surprised, very surprised.”

Police weren't releasing specifics of the allegations, but said that one victim was a student at the school and the assault happened on campus

“As with these types of cases, we always explore the possibility of additional victims,” said Officer Jose Garcia of San Jose Police Department.

Two parents told KTVU that investigators were focused on a game Chandler would play with his class that involved a blindfold.

The allegations prompted one father to have a difficult discussion with his daughter.

“We just asked her did your teacher touch you any which way?’” said Frankie Cruz. “She said, ‘no, he wouldn't do that to me.’”

Those who KTVU talked to Wednesday that know the teacher said he's a married father of two young children with a pregnant wife and that he's innocent until proven guilty.

“I was shocked, I just can't believe it,” said Marisa McElmurry, Chandler's neighbor. “Craig doesn't seem like that kind of man. He's very loving with the kids and I don't mean overly loving. I don't ever see him touching the children or anything like that.”

As of Wednesday evening, prosecutors had not yet filed charges against Chandler, but he was set to be arraigned on Friday afternoon, said Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Lisa McCrary.

Chandler was being held without bail at the main Santa Clara County Jail until his hearing.

Anyone with information regarding this case was urged to call the Police Department's sexual assaults unit at (408) 537-1395 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 947-STOP (7867).