Anonymous
Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives have confirmed the identity of a suspect in the Cate School sexual abuse investigation as 27-year-old Da’Jon Tyrik James. Detectives have been following up on numerous reports that followed our initial press release regarding warrant service at Cate School. Throughout the investigation, detectives have been in contact with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office who had identified James as a suspect for crimes in their jurisdiction.
Sheriff’s detectives have identified several sexual assault survivors in this case who are both current and former students of Cate School, and they believe there may be additional survivors or witnesses who have not yet been located or contacted. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to please contact Detective Sergeant Mark Valencia at (805) 681-4150.
The Sheriff’s Office is aware that survivors of sexual assault and abuse are often reluctant to come forward for many different reasons. We have many resources available regardless of your decision to participate in a criminal investigation. Sheriff’s detectives coordinate closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Program to ensure the needs of survivors are not overshadowed by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the accused. Victim Advocates are available to ensure that survivors are kept informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process. Survivors have the option of contacting the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at 805-568-2400 or toll free at 855-840-3232.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind survivors that they can also find support services through our community partner, Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA). Services offered by STESA include a confidential 24-Hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, and counseling. You can reach a STESA advocate at any time by calling (805) 564-3696.
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July 1, 2021: Detectives Investigating Sexual Abuse at Cate School
August 6, 2021: Former Cate School Teacher Under Investigation for Abuse in Colorado
