Merced County Sheriff's Department arrest teacher for allegedly having sex with a minor

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Merced High School Teacher is facing charges after allegedly having sex with a student in a car.

Blia Yang, 30, was stopped by a Merced County Sheriff's deputy near the Merced County Courthouse on Saturday, just feet from the department's headquarters.

"It was pretty brazen out in public like that," said Sgt. Curt Gorman, Merced Police.

Authorities said after questioning they discovered Yang was an AP school teacher-- the 16-year-old in the car, a student at the school.

Merced police are now handling the case, and are trying to determine whether she was Yang's student.

"There's a lot of background and history that needs to be done in regards to this case. We want to know how long this relationship has been going on-- where it started and the extent of it," said Gorman.

"What we're afraid of is that there are more victims out there," said Sheriff Vern Warnke, Merced County Sheriff's Department.

Merced Union High School District released a statement saying, "Local law enforcement agents have notified Merced Union High School District officials of the arrest of a teacher at Merced High School. We are cooperating with officers as they continue their investigation." They also said, "While the ongoing investigation proceeds, the teacher has been placed on administrative leave. Protecting the health and safety of our students is the top priority of the Merced Union High School District."

Police are investigating to see if there are any other victims.

"We're going to make sure no other students have been taken advantage of by this person," said Gorman.

Yang was booked on a count of oral copulation with a minor as well as a count of sexual intercourse with a minor.

According to jail records, he posted bail. The Merced County District Attorney's Office said because of his recent arrest, charges have not yet been filed.