Dana Hills High School teacher arrested on molestation, child pornography charges

DANA POINT, Calif. -- A Dana Hills High School Spanish teacher has been arrested on suspicion of molestation and possessing child pornography.

Investigators say 48-year-old Ezequiel Barragan has allegedly been involved in a sexual relationship with an underage male over the last two years. The details of the relationship were not released.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department says the suspected victim was not a student at Dana Hills High School.

Barragan, who lives in Aliso Viejo, has also been a target of a U.S. Postal Inspection Service child pornography investigation.

Barragan was arrested on Monday on suspicion of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under the age of 14 years old and possession of child pornography. He was booked into Orange County Jail and was being held on $500,000 bail.

According to investigators, Barragan has coached youth baseball at various leagues and schools in the Orange County area.

"We've had no indication to this date that we've had students at this school who've been victimized," said Dr. Julie Hatchel, a spokeswoman for Capistrano Unified School District.

The Capistrano Unified School District sent an email out to parents Monday night after learning of Barragan's arrest.

"At this time the district has limited information relating to the arrest and investigation and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. The well-being of our students is our number one priority. We recognize this news may be alarming and upsetting to students, staff, parents, and community members," the district said in the email.

Counselors and school psychologists were on hand Tuesday for students and staff.

Investigators believe there may be other victims. If you have any information about Barragan, you're urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (714) 647-7418 or (714) 647-7000. You can also submit anonymous tips to Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or occrimestoppers.org.