SALINAS, Calif - Salinas Police arrested a drug counselor at Salinas High School for child molestation Wednesday afternoon.
According to Salinas Police, Gilbert Olivares, 34, sent messages soliciting sex to a 14-year-old student via Facebook. Police also believe Olivares molested the victim on three different occasions. The molestation is said to have occurred on school grounds. Olivares also was able to get the victim out of classes to further his access to the victim, said police.
Salinas Police arrested Olivares,without incident, at Salinas High School. Officers also seized several items, including electronics while serving a search warrant at Olivares' home on the 400 block of Hyland Drive.
Olivares is employed by Sunrise House, which is an organization that counsels youth on drug and alcohol abuse. Although Olivares has worked as a counselor Salinas High School for 5 years, he is not an employee of the Salinas High School District.
Olivares was transported to the Monterey County Jail and booked for eight counts of contact with a minor with sexual intent, three counts of lewd acts with a child and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Detectives are asking anyone that may be a victim or witnessed any suspicious activity with Olivares to contact the Investigations Division at (831) 758-7226; or Detective Danny Warner at (831) 758-7129. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at 831-775-4222.
Salinas High School students were surprised about the arrest. Alyssa Glidden didn't know him very well, but said he was well-known and well-liked.
"I was pretty shocked because all the students are close with him and he always seemed really cool. I can't picture him getting arrested," says Junior Alyssa Glidden. "I would think would be a misunderstanding. I hope it's a misunderstanding."
