Jeffrey Barton, who served as an administrator, teacher, and mentor at the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad for almost 18 years, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of molesting at least six of the school's students.
According to a news release from the Carlsbad Police Department, Barton was booked into the Vista Detention Facility and is being held on $2.1 million bail.
Barton is expected to be charged with 16 felony counts in connection with the molestation of the students.
Lt. Marc Reno of the CPD said the investigation into Barton's alleged crimes began when a former student, now an adult, told police he had been molested by Barton at the Academy.
Reno said the investigation is ongoing:
The department, in collaboration with the Army and Navy Academy, is attempting to identify and locate any additional victims who have been involved in or witnesses who have knowledge of inappropriate behavior by Barton.
Victims and witnesses are asked to call the police department hotline 760-931-2276.
"The adults at our school play a variety of roles and deliver an education that we believe meets our students' cognitive, physical and emotional needs.
"We are dedicated to helping our students become confident learners and responsible leaders."
