CUSD substitute teacher arrested for allegedly sexually battering a student

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Calexico police arrested a substitute teacher accused of molesting a 16-year-old child on campus.

Sergeant Manuel Ceja confirmed the sexual assault happened at Calexico High School and says it possibly began in August 2022, continuing through the end of this year and that it happened many times.

"We have an approximate of maybe 10, 15, 20 times," says Ceja.

The Calexico Police Department (CPD) responded to a call by the Calexico Unified School District (CUSD) Monday.

CPD learned that CUSD substitute teacher, 26-year-old David Badilla, had allegedly sexually assaulted a student.

The officers then contacted the victim to which she said that she and the teacher engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior.

Officers arrested Badilla Tuesday, for multiple violations involving inappropriate acts with a minor.

Police said Badilla confessed to the crime and officers booked him into the Imperial County jail.

"Mr. Badilla has been terminated from the school district," explains Ceja.

One parent Karime Roman has two kids in the CUSD and says she's upset something like this would happen at school.

"Very uncomfortable. I feel like maybe the district is not doing what they're supposed to. I've had several experiences, I mean nothing to do with any sexual assault or anything but as in the Calexico district," explains Roman. "I don't feel like maybe the right people are being hired or I don't know what's going on but honestly, and now it's very clear that there is something going on in the district where this is being slipped."

According to the Imperial County Sheriff's Office, Badilla posted bail set at $75,000 and is no longer in custody.

Badilla is waiting for his next court appearance.

Sergeant Ceja says as of right now, they are unaware if there are more victims and asks for the schools and parents to talk to their kids.

"To speak to them. If there's any information that their students or children of possibly being sexually battered by any staff members within any of our schools in our city to come forward," asks Ceja.

Roman says this is a conversation she will be having with her kids, especially her 11-year-old daughter.

"When it comes to my daughter because you know she's smaller, I've always mentioned if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, your body tells you when someone is too close to you, too uncomfortable. You know, they touch, you don't want someone to hug you," explains Roman. "She's very outspoken so I'm a little at ease but then again these people know how to manipulate kids and make them obviously to do what they want, so it worries me but yes, now that I've heard this, I'll probably bring it up in a dinner conversation."

If you have any information, please contact the Calexico Police Department at 760-768-2140.