North Valley parents arrested for not sending their kids to school

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Parents were not taking their kids to school, according to attorneys.

Michael Perez, Jose Rubio, Ruby Santos, and Cesar Sultana are just four of the eight parents who were taken into custody Monday during the county's second countywide truancy sweep.

"It's sad the District Attorney's Office, and the MCOE have to be more concerned about these kids futures and well beings, than the parents who should be most interested in their future," said Merced County District Attorney Larry Morse.

The sweeps are part of a partnership with the Merced County Office of Education and District Attorney's Office.

The school tries to work with a student and their parents after they have missed too much school. If that does not work, an investigator gets involved.

Morse says the goal is to keep students in school and on track.

"The best thing I can do is work with the school and community to get as many kids graduated as possible. That's good for us in terms of public safety, and in the economy as well," said Morse.

School officials say many of the kids involved missed anywhere from 25 to 100 days of school.

We spoke to one parent who was arrested during the first sweep. She did not want her name disclosed but claims she was charged because her daughter was constantly late to class.

"I give my daughter a ride to school every day so therefore I know she wasn't out with any friends," said anonymous parent.

She spoke to her daughter but thinks the schools should do more.

"I feel like if she gets punished, then she won't be like I'm gonna be a minute late to school."

All the parents were charged with contributing the delinquency of a minor.

District officials say the case is referred to the district attorney's office for prosecution after they have exhausted all avenues but they are hoping it does not have to get to the point in the future.