San Jose high school aide arrested for alleged sexual communications with teenage girls

A high school classroom aide was arrested in San Jose last week after he allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with two underage female students.

One week before the arrest, the San José Police Department said officers responded to a report of an adult male suspect sharing inappropriate sexual messaging and conversations with a student at a high school in the 1500 block of Branham Lane, which is the location for Branham High School. 

During their investigation, a second juvenile survivor came forward and reported that the suspect also victimized her, police said. 

The department's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force identified the suspect as 31-year-old Heriberto Plascencia. 

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Plascencia and a search warrant for his residence. On May 21, with the assistance of the department's human trafficking and special victims units, officers found and arrested Plascencia in San Jose, police said. 

He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges of sending harmful materials to a minor and for annoying or molesting a minor.

Police said there may be other victims due to Plascencia's position of trust as an aide at the high school. 

A Campbell Union High School District spokesperson said Plascencia was hired just over a year ago and did clear background checks. In a message to parents, Branham Principal Beth Silbergeld said that upon becoming aware of the matter, the administration promptly reported it to police and the school was providing support resources to students.

"We are deeply troubled that an adult in a position of trust engaged in this type of behavior, which is unacceptable and has no place in our community," said Silbergeld in the message. "As this remains an active law enforcement investigation, we are unable to share further details. 

Anyone with information about this case or similar cases was asked to contact Detective Widmer #4581 of the department's ICAC Task Force at 4581@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-3214.