A former employee of the Oxnard School District has officially entered a guilty plea regarding the transmission of inappropriate sexual content to a minor. Miguel De Jesus Marquez, a 25-year-old resident of Oxnard, admitted to the charges in a Ventura County court.
The investigation revealed that the interactions began in August 2024. Marquez served as a para-educator within the district, providing essential support to classroom teachers.
Prosecutors noted that the defendant and the 15-year-old victim shared a familial connection. Despite this relationship, the digital communication between the two escalated into sexual territory.
Court documents indicate that Marquez utilized the Snapchat platform to send explicit photographs of himself to the teenager. He also reportedly requested that the minor provide similar images in return.
Law enforcement officials conducted a thorough investigation into the matter. This process culminated in the arrest of Marquez on June 4, 2025, while he was present at Marina West Elementary School.
Although the victim was a student within the broader Oxnard School District, she was not enrolled at the specific campus where the arrest occurred. Marquez entered his plea to one felony count of luring on May 4, 2026.
Legal representatives from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office emphasized the dangers inherent in digital interactions. They highlighted that social media platforms are frequently exploited by individuals seeking to manipulate minors.
Authorities are now urging parents and guardians to maintain a vigilant presence regarding their children's online activities. This includes monitoring application usage and fostering open dialogues about digital safety and boundaries.
The sentencing phase of the legal process is currently scheduled for June 10 at the Ventura County Superior Court. Marquez faces a potential sentence of one year in jail for his actions.
He is currently released from custody on his own recognizance as he awaits the final court date. The Oxnard Police Department continues to request that anyone with relevant information regarding this case or other potential criminal activity contact their offices directly.