Crime & Safety

Hemet Vice Principal Arrested on Sex Charges with Students

Hemet police announced Wednesday that an assistant principal of Tahquitz High School has been arrested on multiple sex charges.

A Hemet vice principal was behind bars Wednesday after police say they've conducted a "lengthy" investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with students.

45-year-old Erin Henton– who has been on administrative leave since allegations first surfaced on March 8– was arrested Wednesday morning, according to Hemet Police Lieutenant Duane Wisehart.

"The arrest was made after a lengthy and in-depth investigation into what was first reported as possible inappropriate conduct between that staff member and a juvenile student at the same school," Wisehart said in a press release.

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According to the lieutenant, police began their investigation as soon as Henton was place on leave.  As a result of their investigative efforts, they arrested the woman on suspicion of the following charges:

  • sexual battery
  • oral copulation
  • sending harmful/inappropriate matter via electronic device
  • abnormal sexual interest in children

Wisehart said it's believed the incidents all occurred over the last several months, and that a total of three male victims, all minors, were identified. 

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None of the alleged sexual incidents occurred at the school campus, though all three males are students at Tahquitz High School, according to the lieutenant.

"Henton’s bail amount has not yet been established while detectives seek an enhancement from the judge," he said.

According to the Riverside Press Enterprise, Henton had worked with the school's student government organization, and also worked in a disciplinary role at the school.  The news organization also reports that one of the boy's parents first tipped authorities off to the inappropriate relationship in early March.

"The Hemet Police Department is very grateful for the assistance and cooperation received from the staff at Hemet Unified School District during the course of this investigation," he added.


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