Police will not say how many minors are involved, but students at the high school tell us it's more than one, and at least one victim is on the softball team. Meanwhile, investigators tell us these allegations came to light recently, and that the inappropriate contact began just a few weeks ago.
Chowchilla residents are still in shock after police arrested two Chowchilla High School softball coaches for sexual misconduct involving minors.
Kayla Hora's younger brother is a senior at the school. Her concern now is whether he and his classmates are safe. "My brother doesn't need to be around that and none of the kids around here need to go through that stuff."
Earl Spomer has been with the school for three years and is currently a volunteer for both the JV and varsity softball teams. He also works at a local dairy. Charges against Spomar include lewd acts with a child under 14 and sexual battery.
Edward tovar is the school's paid JV head softball coach. Charges against him are more extensive and include kidnapping, lewd acts with a child, and sending or possessing obscene material. Tovar works as a Correctional Sergeant at the Central California Women's Facility, and has been with the department for 13 years. He pled not-guilty at his arraignment Monday.
Outside the courtroom, his attorney told Action News the charges against him are out-of character. "He's a family man," said William Parry. "He's a law enforcement officer. This comes as a great shock and surprise to the family. This is a tough time."
School officials say it's a tough time for them as well, indicating no teacher has ever been arrested here for these types of crimes. Meanwhile, they're working with Chowchilla Police to determine if there are more victims.
Chief Jay Varney says parents should talk to their kids. "And parents know better than school administrators or police officers the change in perhaps attitude or reaction and we'll be able to follow up on it immediately based on what they see with their kids."
Charges against Spomer have not been filed yet. Tovar will return to court on Tuesday.
