In a troubling case that has shocked the community, a Castle Creek elementary school teacher, Julio Sodto, has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving multiple students. The investigation was prompted by a report from a female student who, in March 2019, confided to friends that Sodto had touched her inappropriately while alone in a classroom.
The incident occurred when Sodto allegedly took the student aside from her physical education class, claiming he needed to assist her with a test. Once alone, he reportedly touched her chest. This alarming claim was substantiated by several other students who also indicated they had witnessed or heard inappropriate comments made by Sodto regarding their bodies.
Following the initial report, school officials promptly informed parents of the situation. The district stated that it would conduct a thorough internal investigation into the allegations. In a recorded interrogation released by the sheriff’s office, Sodto maintained his innocence, expressing confusion over the accusations and suggesting that the students might have misinterpreted his actions.
During the interrogation, investigators confronted Sodto about discrepancies in his statements and the accounts given by multiple students. They pointed out that his narrative shifted as the questioning progressed, raising further suspicions about the veracity of his claims. Despite his insistence that he had never touched a student inappropriately, witnesses reported that he had made comments about students’ appearances, which could be construed as inappropriate.
Sodto’s defense relied heavily on the assertion that he had simply been trying to help his students. He expressed regret over bringing a student into his classroom alone and acknowledged that he should have followed proper protocols. However, his explanations did little to assuage the concerns of investigators, who emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the potential implications for Sodto’s career.
The interrogation revealed that Sodto had previously faced complaints about his interactions with students, specifically regarding his tendency to tickle or poke them playfully. While he claimed such interactions were harmless, the investigators pointed out that many students had interpreted them differently. The situation escalated as the investigators pressed for clarity on why so many students would corroborate similar stories against him.
As the questioning continued, Sodto’s demeanor shifted from defensive to anxious, ultimately leading him to request legal counsel. This request marked a turning point in the interrogation, signaling a recognition of the gravity of the situation he faced. He was ultimately charged with one count of lewd or lascivious behavior and one count of molestation of a minor.
The case has raised significant concerns among parents and community members about the safety of children in educational environments. As the investigation progresses, the school district has committed to ensuring the welfare of its students and addressing any misconduct by its staff. The ongoing trial has already been delayed multiple times, leaving many in the community awaiting a resolution to this troubling incident.
