School Staffer Accused Of Lewd Acts With Minor

EAST PALO ALTO, CA — An East Palo Alto middle school employee was arrested Monday after investigators allege he "engaged in lewd acts" with a minor on campus.

According to police, officers learned of the allegations against James Edward Fitch, 54, on Sept. 6. Investigators allege the crimes took place at Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School, where Fitch was employed as the campus relations coordinator.

Detectives said the investigation provided probable cause to arrest Fitch, and the East Palo Police Department worked with the U.S. Marshals to serve search and arrest warrants at Fitch's home on Monday.

According to jail records, Fitch was booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on suspicion of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and arranging to meet with a minor for lewd acts.

Anyone with information relevant to the case can contact the city's criminal investigations division at 650-629-4538.