August 1, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that in February 2023, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit was alerted to a cold case sexual assault that took place in the Ojai area from August 2013 through June 2017. The suspect was identified as Paul Herder, who was a teacher at Oak Grove School in Ojai at the time of the offense.

Detectives learned that during Herder’s employment as a teacher, he engaged in an unlawful dating relationship with a juvenile student. Herder coerced the juvenile victim to engage in numerous sexual acts. Herder sent harmful matter to the victim and possessed child pornography for his personal use.

In June 2023, detectives traced Herder to the State of Hawaii where coordinated efforts with detectives from the Hawaii Police Department were conducted. Herder was located and arrested in Pahoa, Hawaii.

On July 31, 2023, Herder was extradited to Ventura County where he was arrested for violations of PC 288(c)(1)- Lewd Act Upon a Child, PC 261.5(c)- Unlawful Sexual Intercourse, PC 287(b)(1)- Oral Copulation of a Person Under 18, PC 289(h)- Digital Penetration of Victim Under 18 years old, PC 288.4(b)- Luring, and PC 311.4(c)- Using Minor for Sex Acts.

Herder is currently in custody on $1,100,000 bail. Herder’s arraignment was set for August 1, 2023, in Ventura County Superior Court.

Herder has an extensive history of teaching at various schools, as well as providing private tutoring throughout his career. Herder is believed to have taught in the following areas: Ojai, California; Los Angeles, California; Tucson, Arizona; Hamden, Connecticut; Pahoa, Hawaii; Bangor, Maine; Chesterfield, England; and unknown locations in Thailand and Panama.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office believes there could be additional victims. The faculty at Oak Grove School have cooperated throughout this investigation and have been instrumental in providing requested information. If any school administrator or member of the public has any information regarding Paul Herder or this case, please contact Detective Nicole Grover of the Major Crimes Bureau, Sexual Assault Unit, at (805) 384-4722 or nicole.grover@ventura.org.

Nature of Incident: Teacher Arrested for Sexual Assault on Student

Nature of Incident: Teacher Arrested for Sexual Assault on Student

Report Number: 23-1255

Location: 200 Block of Lomita Avenue

Date & Time: August 2013 - June 2017

Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Major Crimes Bureau

Report Number: 23-1255

Location: 200 Block of Lomita Avenue

Date & Time: August 2013 - June 2017

Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Major Crimes Bureau

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office