SOLEDAD — Detectives from Soledad Police Department have arrested 34-year-old Main Street Middle School teacher Marina Ramirez Rico for having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old male former student.
During an investigation on a different case, a video was located “showing the two engaged in sexual intercourse,” police said in a Sept. 10 news release. This crime occurred while Ramirez Rico was a teacher at Soledad High School and the male was a student.
“Detectives immediately notified the school administration, and the district took precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students,” police said. “The district is cooperating fully with this ongoing investigation.”
Detectives located Ramirez Rico and took her into custody on Sept. 9. She was lodged in Monterey County Jail on multiple charges related to sexual intercourse with a minor.
“Further evidence of this crime was located during the arrest,” police said.
According to Soledad Unified School District Superintendent Randy Bangs, in a letter to the SUSD community, Ramirez Rico was placed on administrative leave and “will not return to the school setting on an indefinite basis.”
Bangs added, “Our focus is on the safety and well-being of our students and we will continue to cooperate with the police investigation in any way we can.”
The investigation is ongoing. Soledad Police Department’s victim advocate assisted the victim and his parents by providing services and resources.
“The safety and well-being of our children are our top priority at the Soledad Police Department,” police said.
Police are asking for the public’s help in providing any further information; contact Detective Lozano at 831-223-5164 or Detective Vargas at 831-223-5125.
