Orosi High teacher Jason Whited arrested for sending lewd photos to a minor

OROSI, Calif. (KFSN) -- A South Valley teacher has been arrested and placed on leave after the Tulare County Sheriff's Office said he sent lewd photos to an underage female student.

Orosi High School teacher Jason Whited is out on bail after being arrested on Wednesday. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office said an investigation revealed Whited sent lewd photos to an underage female student in June.

The school's website shows Whited worked in the visual and performing arts department. We spoke with two seniors who did not want to be identified. One had Whited for ceramics class and said he was shocked. Other students were too, some were crying.

"I saw some people that they're like, not focused, getting out of class," said the student.

Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District Superintendent Yolanda Valdez said this is an ongoing investigation and they would like to keep the student's identity confidential.

In a statement, Valdez said, "An incident was reported to the Orosi High School Administration Wednesday morning. An Orosi High School teacher was placed on administrative leave as a result of the report. Law enforcement was immediately contacted to conduct an investigation. All school personnel is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The Cutler-Orosi School District holds student safety in the highest regard."

Students we spoke with don't know if the allegations are true, but if they are they said it is good that it was brought to light.

"Yes, because it could have affected other people, not just the one person that I heard."

The case is currently being investigated by the Crimes Against Children Unit of the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.