Laguna Creek High School Volunteer Arrested On Suspicion Of Sex With A Minor
On January 14, 2019, a Laguna Creek High School volunteer was reported to have engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor. The Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) responded to the allegations in a timely fashion as any allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously. As with any misconduct, school officials contacted law enforcement to investigate the matter. After the allegations, the suspect, Lucas Melville, was taken into custody by law enforcement. During that time, Melville was not at Laguna Creek High School.
Photo Credit: Elk Grove Police Department
Laguna Creek High School Notification
The following is a notification to the parents/guardians of the students regarding the situation from the Principal of Laguna Creek High School:
Laguna Creek High School Volunteer Arrested For Inappropriate Sexual Misconduct With A Minor
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that on Wednesday, school officials at Laguna Creek High School received a report alleging that a LCHS volunteer had engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor. Based on the allegations, school officials immediately contacted law enforcement to investigate. The suspect, Mr. Melville, who was not on campus, was contacted by law enforcement and subsequently taken into custody. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and the safety of our students is our top priority.Mr. Melville had been cleared as a District volunteer in 2012 and obtained fingerprint clearance at that time. Since then, he has provided services to the Laguna Creek High School band in that capacity. Mr. Melville is not a District employee. Upon learning of allegations of misconduct on the part of Mr. Melville, the District has also taken immediate action to notify him that he will no longer be permitted to provide services in any capacity to District students.
In situations such as this, school and district officials work closely with law enforcement to ensure student safety and immediately investigate. District officials also coordinate communication efforts with law enforcement to avoid interfering with or jeopardizing the investigation.
The District will provide a team of counselors who will be available on campus to work with those students and staff who wish to speak with them. This additional support will remain in place as long as it is needed. The safety of our students and staff is a top priority at Laguna Creek High School. We are sharing this information with you as part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed about incidents that affect our campus. If you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact me at
(916) 683-1339.
Sincerely,
Doug Craig
Principal
Laguna Creek High School
The Proper Steps
After being cleared by the EGUSD in 2012, Melville began as a District volunteer for Laguna Creek High School’s band. As soon as allegations were reported, EGUSD took immediate action. Without reservation, EGUSD notified Melville that he was no longer permitted to provide services to students.
In any situation that involves student safety, EGUSD works closely with law enforcement. Further, this ensures students are safe and proper procedures are taken to avoid risking the investigation.
Additionally, the EGUSD will provide support the victim and the victim’s family. Furthermore, EGUSD will provide counselors on campus for students and staff who need support as long as it is needed.
EGUSD encourages people and the community to be comfortable in reporting information to the district. To reinforce this, EGUSD encourages “If they SEE something or KNOW something, to SAY something.” Thankfully, this situation was reported and appropriately addressed by the district.
The District closely follows a Policy and Program Studies Service that was published in 2004 by the Under Secretary. This U.S. Department of Education study, “Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Synthesis of Existing Literature,” outlines preventative measures for schools. Additionally, EGUSD enforces and requires all volunteers who work with students at any school site to have fingerprinting and background checks. Moreover, for all employees of EGUSD, Mandatory Reporter Training must be completed.
Statement of Officer Jason Jimenez, Public Information Officer of Elk Grove Police Department
“On January 9th, EGPD was notified by school officials. An investigation was promptly started with the cooperation and assistance of school officials. Through the investigation, it was determined the crimes had taken place off campus in the city of Elk Grove. Later that evening, officers arrested 24-year-old Lucas Melville of Elk Grove at his residence. The investigation is active and ongoing at this time.”
