The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is searching for additional victims Friday of a former church volunteer who was recently arrested on suspicion of inappropriately touching teenage boys.
Matthew Ramiro Alejos, who served as a volunteer with the young adult ministry at Calvary Chapel El Monte church, was arrested on Nov. 6, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release.
Alejos worked at the church — located in the 10500 block of Lower Azusa Road — from 2013 until the time of his arrest, according to the news release. The Sheriff’s Department previously incorrectly reported the church was in South El Monte before providing updated information.
Alejos also worked as a security guard and as a camp supervisor by the El Monte Union High School District.
During his time with the School District, Alejos was assigned to El Monte High School, Rosemead High School and the El Monte-Rosemead Adult School, where officials said he was still working when he was arrested, the Sheriff’s Department stated.
Investigators believe that Alejos would befriend young boys and have inappropriate contact with them after gaining their trust.
Alejos hasn’t returned to his job since being arrested and cannot set foot on any of the school district’s campus, according to a statement from Superintendent Edward Zuniga.
The statement, which was emailed to KTLA early Friday afternoon, reads:
“After the El Monte Union High School District became aware that one of our campus supervisors was arrested while working as a volunteer for another organization, the District took immediate action and has been working closely with local law enforcement in their investigation. The employee, who went through all the appropriate background checks prior to employment, has not returned to work since the arrest and is prohibited from entering any District campus. We are encouraging anyone with information or any potential victims to contact the District or the Sheriff’s Department. The El Monte Union High School District is deeply committed to placing the highest priority on ensuring the safety, security and well-being of all students and cultivating a safe learning environment.”
Alejos has been charged with Lewd Acts Upon a Minor, Oral Copulation and Annoying/Molesting a Minor.
He is being held on $700,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 21.
Alejos had access to numerous unknown children over the last five years and detectives believe there are potentially additional victims related to the investigation.
Anyone who feels they may have been victimized or who has additional information was asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 877-710-5273. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.