Kindergarten teacher in Merced County investigated in sex crimes involving minors

A 45-year-old kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary School in Merced County was arrested as part of an investigation of sex crimes involving minors, law enforcement and school officials confirmed Monday.

Teng Xiong, also known as “Art Jones,” possibly victimized several of his students during his teaching career, Merced County Sheriff’s Deputy Daryl Allen said.

He was arrested last week. But posted a $400,000 bail, according to jail records.

“We have several victims already,” Allen said, declining to say how many victims have come forward. Several additional possible victims have come forward since a Monday morning news release about Xiong was posted by the sheriff’s office, he said.

A news release from the Weaver Union School District confirmed Xiong was employed as a kindergarten school teacher at Pioneer Elementary School.

“Upon learning of (the arrest), the district immediately placed Mr. Jones on administrative leave,” the release states. “School safety is always our first priority.”

Xiong was hired by the school district in July 1996 and left the district in 2005 before being re-hired in July 2008, Superintendent John Curry said. Xiong has been employed full-time since then.

“Law enforcement has not given us any information regarding the nature of the allegations and the allegations were not reported by the District,” the release states. “We will continue to support and assist law enforcement in its investigation.”

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call detective Martha Martinez at 209-385-7472.

This story was originally published August 26, 2019 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Kindergarten teacher in Merced County investigated in sex crimes involving minors."