School Administrator Arrested for Failure to Report Child Abuse Press Release Date:...

School Administrator Arrested for Failure to Report Child Abuse

Press Release Date: 8/11/2026

Suspect: Roxane Michele Romero, 53-years-old, resident of Bakersfield

Following an extensive investigation in 2025 into allegations former Tehachapi Unified School District employee Timothy Seaman had molested multiple children; Detectives with the Tehachapi Police Department developed information indicating a school district administrator may have failed to fulfill the mandatory reporting requirements as required by California Penal Code section 11166(A).

During the investigation, detectives learned Dr. Roxanne Romero, who served as the Chief Administrator of Personnel for the Tehachapi Unified School District, had allegedly received multiple complaints from staff members, students and parents regarding inappropriate behavior involving Mr. Seaman. Detectives also learned that certain information which was reported to Ms. Romero, a mandated reporter, was not subsequently reported to law enforcement or Child Protective Services, in violation of the law.

Detectives presented the facts of this investigation to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for review. Following that review, criminal charges were filed against Ms. Romero.

August 11, 2026, Ms. Romero was taken into custody and later booked into the Kern County Jail for the above listed charge.

The Tehachapi Police Department remains committed to thoroughly investigating any allegation of child abuse and holding those accountable who violate the laws intended to protect them. Based on the fact this investigation involves juvenile victims, the department will not release any additional information that could identify the children or their families.

As a reminder, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Richard Standridge, Chief of Police