It's the beginning of another school week at Golden West High School. Students returned to class with questions. Questions regarding Eric Ford, the business teacher.
Sophomore Mathew Kyker said, "People are kind of nervous, I guess...don't understand why he would have done something that weird."
Visalia Police say Ford had sex with a 17-year-old student and it may have happened several times. A phone call tipped officers off Saturday night and they arrested him the next day. Students tell KSEE24 News the victim is a girl but some say it's all hard to believe.
Angel Pando said, "I have him for a class but he doesn't seem like someone who would do that."
Brandi Rapley added, "He was just a nice guy, he was there for everyone...it's not like he was creepy ever."
Rapley knows Ford. She says his wife is an English teacher on campus and their two daughters attend the school.
"They're trying to brush it off I think 'cause everyone is being mean to them about it as if it's their fault," Rapley said.
School District Superintendent Craig Wheaton says Ford is on paid administrative leave. "We take the safety and health of our students very seriously and when anything happens that goes against that, we're just shocked."
Ford is out on bail but Wheaton says he isn't allowed on campus. At least until the case is settled.
Counselors and Psychologists were on campus to help students cope with the situation.
TXT 24
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