CONCORD — A 52-year-old elementary faculty trainer was arrested final month after allegedly displaying as much as meet with an individual he believed was a 13-year-old boy he met on a courting app, court docket information present.
Darrin Michaels, of Harmony, was arrested Dec. 9 in reference to a Contra Costa Sheriff and District Lawyer investigation that concerned using an undercover persona arrange by a Sheriff’s detective in hopes of catching would-be youngster molesters. He has not but been charged, however authorities mentioned they intend to deliver a case to the DA’s workplace as soon as they're finished mining his cell phone.
Michaels — who was positioned on administrative depart after his arrest — works for the Mt. Diablo Unified College District, the place he taught at three elementary faculties, the superintendent mentioned in a press release to folks final month, which didn't consult with Michaels by identify. The district’s web site lists him as a music trainer at Sequoia Elementary College in Nice Hill.
In line with an affidavit signed by DA Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe, the detective used “age regression expertise” to make himself appear to be a teen, then arrange a profile on Grindr, the self-described “world’s largest social networking app for homosexual, bi, trans, and queer individuals.” In subsequent texting conversations, the detective instructed Michaels he was a 13-year-old boy and Michaels allegedly invited him to exit for a film.
Michaels allegedly requested a photograph of the “boy’s” armpits and mentioned he wished to kiss them, and described varied intercourse acts throughout the two days they chatted, Holcombe wrote. He additionally allegedly admitted to molesting youngsters; police are nonetheless investigating whether or not they imagine the admission was actual.
“In my grownup years I’ve been with two 12, one 13, one 15, a number of 16 and 17,” Michaels allegedly wrote, including that the final time concerned a 17-year-old, earlier than the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michaels allegedly organized for a meet-up on the Veranda LUXE Cinema & IMAX in Harmony, then was arrested after leaving his residence Dec. 9, shortly earlier than the rendezvous time, based on police.
In a press release to folks, MDUSD Superintendent Adam Clark wrote that “there isn't a purpose to imagine that any present or former Mt. Diablo Unified scholar(s) are concerned on this investigation.”
“Mt. Diablo Unified College District is dedicated to offering a secure studying atmosphere for all college students and appreciates the fast response by legislation enforcement on this matter,” Clark wrote. “The District is cooperating with legislation enforcement authorities to the fullest extent permitted by legislation.”
This story has been up to date to make clear that Superintendent Adam Clark’s assertion to folks didn’t consult with Darrin Michaels by identify.