Updated to correct Gray’s start date at Mira Costa High School.
Christopher Wayne Gray, a 27-year-old instructional assistant at Mira Costa High School and Manhattan Beach resident, was charged with nine counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, police said.
Gray was arrested at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5 for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor.
The alleged victim is a female student at Mira Costa High School; police don’t yet know if there are other victims. The victim’s parents contacted the police, said Officer Stephanie Martin of the Manhattan Beach Police Department. It was reported that the alleged acts had been taking place since the spring of this year, she said.
Gray lives in Manhattan Beach with his wife and two kids, Martin said. He has been an employee with Manhattan Beach Unified School District since November of 2010 and started at Mira Costa this fall. Prior to that, he worked at Manhattan Beach Middle School. As an instructional assistant, Gray worked with special education students. The victim is not a special education student.
“It’s a difficult time for all of us,” said Michael Matthews, superintendent of schools. “When something like this happens to one of our students, it’s very upsetting and we’re still in a mode where were trying to learn what happened.”
Matthews addressed the incident in an email to parents last week. “At this time, I ask that you join me in doing anything possible to respect and protect the privacy of the student and the student’s family,” he wrote.
The crime was reported on Tuesday, Oct. 4, which prompted an immediate detective investigation. During the investigation, Gray will be on administrative leave, Matthews wrote.
Gray is in custody and being held on $900,000 bail at the Twin Towers jail inLos Angeles. His next court date is on Oct. 24.
Police ask anyone with information on the case to call the Detective Bureau at 310-802-5120.
