Fresno High band teacher arrested, accused of sexually assaulting 14-year-old boy

Fresno police arrested a music teacher at Fresno High School Friday on suspicion of sexual assault.

Fresno Unified officials identified him as John Henry Veloz, 38. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police and district investigation.

"In the event that the allegations are proven true, the district will take swift action to discipline this employee," said Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson.

Fresno Unified officials said the victim is a 14-year-old boy. Police conducted a forensic investigation in the band teacher's office and on the student's person and plan to review security camera footage for further evidence.

The case began with a call at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to police.

The boy's mother said her son had been molested by a teacher. The boy told officers he was a band student and had three inappropriate encounters with Veloz in the band office during school hours. The incidents occurred within the past three weeks.

Veloz was arrested at 9:15 a.m. Friday.

District officials said Veloz came in contact with 180 to 200 students every day. For that reason, Police Chief Jerry Dyer said parents should talk to their children who had Veloz as an instructor to make sure nothing inappropriate occurred.

Detectives expect other students may have been assaulted, and ask the public for help in determining if there are other victims.

This story was originally published April 20, 2018 at 11:49 AM with the headline "Fresno High band teacher arrested, accused of sexually assaulting 14-year-old boy."