The San José Police Department's ICAC Task Force, with FBI and other partners, arrested 11 people during a Feb. 3–6, 2026 online sting targeting individuals who sought sexual contact with minors. One arrested person, identified as Ruben Guzman, is accused of attempting to meet what he believed was a 13‑year‑old and allegedly offered money for sexual acts. Guzman, an assistant principal at Sunrise Middle School, was detained by SJPD when he arrived to pick up the purported juvenile. The school says the suspect was removed from campus, counseling has been offered, and the district is cooperating with investigators.
San José Assistant Principal Arrested in Multi‑Agency Internet Child‑Sex Sting
California middle school assistant principal nabbed in child sex sting
The San José Police Department says a multi‑agency Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation led to 11 arrests between February 3 and February 6, 2026 — including an assistant principal at a local middle school.
Operation and Charges
According to a department release, undercover officers from SJPD ICAC and partner agencies, including the FBI, posed as juveniles online to identify people allegedly seeking to exploit minors. "Between February 3 and February 6, 2026, the San José Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested 11 individuals for communicating with the intent to have sex with a minor," the statement said.
All suspects were booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges that include attempted lewd acts with a minor, arranging meetings with a minor for sexual purposes, and other offenses related to child exploitation.
The logo of the FBI is seen at the Los Angeles federal building.(Getty Images)
Assistant Principal Identified
Authorities identified one defendant as Ruben Guzman, who was employed as an assistant principal at Sunrise Middle School. Law enforcement alleges Guzman communicated online with someone he believed to be a 13‑year‑old boy, acknowledged the juvenile was underage, offered money to entice sexual activity, and then traveled to San José to meet the purported child. He was taken into custody by SJPD's Covert Response Unit when he arrived, officials say. Guzman is accused of these acts and remains subject to criminal investigation and prosecution.
School Response
Sunrise Middle School director Teresa Robinson told reporters the district was notified by law enforcement and that the allegations do not involve school activities. "Our immediate priority was student safety," Robinson said. The school removed the assistant principal from campus, ensured he has no further contact with students, communicated with families, provided age‑appropriate conversations for students, and made counseling available. Officials said there is no information indicating any Sunrise students were involved.
Ongoing Investigation
The SJPD release emphasized this was a proactive, multi‑agency effort to disrupt online child sexual exploitation. Investigators did not release additional personal details about the other arrestees. The case remains under investigation and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Note: The individual named is accused of crimes; allegations have not been proven in court. Presumption of innocence applies until proven guilty.
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