Merced high school staff member arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting student

A staff member at a Merced County high school accused of sexually assaulting a student has been arrested, authorities said.

The Merced Police Department said that on Feb. 18, 2025, it

Merced Police began investigating an allegation of a sexual assault involving a staff member and a student at El Capitan High School on Feb. 18after receiving a report from the Merced Union High School District.

Authorities said the suspect, identified as John Mobley III, 34, was employed as an Intervention Coordinator at the school since August 2024. Mobley III was booked into Merced County Jail Thursday on suspicion of felony sexual penetration with force or fear, rape, contact minor with intent sex and misdemeanor sexual battery by restraint, according to jail records. He remains in custody in lieu of $255,000 bond.

In a statement Friday, the Merced Union High School District said “as soon as Administration became aware of reports that John Mobley III had engaged in inappropriate conduct with a student, he was immediately placed on administrative leave and the District has commenced its own investigation into the allegations.”

The district said administration will continue to fully cooperate with the Merced Police Department in regard to the ongoing investigation.

“We understand the impact this incident may have on our school community and we are committed to providing support to students, parents, and staff,” the district said in the statement. “Rest assured, the safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority.”

Police are continuing to investigate the case and working to gather a possible evidence. The Merced Union High School District is working with police during the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the Merced Police Department at 209-385-6905 or Merced Police Detective Calcagno at 209-769-8885.