(FOX40.COM) – A former Oak Ridge High School band teacher accused of child sex crimes made his first appearance in El Dorado County Superior Court on Wednesday.
Paul Varoff was arrested on Monday and now faces 10 felony counts related to his sexual conduct with persons under 18 years of age, one of which allegedly occurred in his school office.
Varov taught at Oak Ridge High School for more than 30 years, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
During the arraignment hearing, Varov was handcuffed and wearing an orange jail jumpsuit. He did not enter a plea; instead, he waived his right to a speedy trial in seeking private representation.
A new arraignment hearing is scheduled for February 12.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by FOX40, Varov faces five counts of oral copulation on a person under 18 and five counts of sexual battery on a person under 18, stemming from seven alleged incidents that occurred between January 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The prosecution also alleged a number of aggravating factors. These include the victim’s particular vulnerability, the planning and complexity involved in Varov’s conduct, and the former teacher’s abuse of trust and confidence.
The criminal complaint also states that the crimes occurred at multiple locations, including Varov’s residence in Sacramento County and his school office in El Dorado County.
Varov will remain in the El Dorado County Jail without bail. But the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office said this remains an active and ongoing investigation.
They encourage any potential other victims or anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Katzt by emailing katzt@eldoradosheriff.gov or calling 530-642-4716.
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