East Palo Alto school employee arrested for lewd acts with minor

On September 16, 2024, a 54-year-old employee at Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School in East Palo Alto was arrested for allegedly committing lewd acts with a minor on campus. The arrest followed an investigation initiated by East Palo Alto police after receiving a tip on September 6, which prompted authorities to take action. James Edward Fitch, who served as the Campus Relations Coordinator, was taken into custody at his home in Stockton under a $500,000 arrest and search warrant. Fitch faces serious charges, including three counts of felony lewd acts with a minor and one count of enticing a minor for lewd acts. The police have not disclosed further details regarding the specific nature of the allegations or the identity of the minor involved. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are likely to gather more evidence as they proceed. Following his arrest, Fitch was booked into the San Mateo County Jail, where he awaits further legal proceedings. The timing of his court appearance remains uncertain, adding to the gravity of the situation. The school community and parents are likely to be concerned about the implications of such allegations against a staff member. This incident raises significant questions about the safety and oversight of students in educational environments. It underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious behavior to protect minors from potential harm.