Ex-School Trustee Accused of Contacting Teens for Explicit Photos

Christopher Becerra faces charges for allegedly messaging minors and asking for 'sexy' photos

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:13pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a mobile phone screen showing a series of text messages, with the harsh lighting and dramatic shadows creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the serious nature of the alleged crimes.A former school trustee's alleged online messages to minors expose the dark side of power and trust.Brea Today

A former Brea Olinda Unified School Board trustee, Christopher Becerra, has been charged with two felony counts of contacting minors with intent to commit a specified offense, as well as misdemeanor counts of annoying or molesting a person believed to be a child and attempting to induce false testimony. Prosecutors allege Becerra sent messages to a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, calling them 'sexy' and asking them to send him photos.

Why it matters

The allegations against Becerra, a former elected school official, have shaken the local community and raised concerns about the exploitation of minors. The case highlights the need for strict oversight and accountability measures for those in positions of trust over children.

The details

Prosecutors say that in October 2025, while Becerra was in Las Vegas with a school district employee, he sent social media messages to a 15-year-old student who had transferred out of the district, asking the boy to send him a photo and calling him 'sexy' even after being told the boy was 15 years old. Becerra also allegedly sent text messages to a 17-year-old boy between October and November 2025, again asking for a photo and calling the teen 'sexy'.

  • In October 2025, Becerra allegedly sent messages to a 15-year-old boy while in Las Vegas.
  • Between October and November 2025, Becerra allegedly sent messages to a 17-year-old boy.

The players

Christopher Becerra

A 42-year-old former Brea Olinda Unified School Board trustee who is now facing criminal charges related to contacting minors.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer

The district attorney who announced the charges against Becerra, stating that the 'sexual exploitation of children will never be tolerated'.

Jacqueline Goodman

Becerra's defense attorney, who denied that he is guilty of the charges and said the case 'must be decided in a courtroom, not the internet'.

Carrie Flanders

The Brea Olinda Unified School Board President, who expressed 'shock, disbelief, anger, disappointment and an overwhelming sense of betrayal' over the allegations against Becerra.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'The sexual exploitation of children will never be tolerated. It is unconscionable that someone elected to help administer the education of our children would prey on children for his own sexual gratification.'”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney

“'While we have refrained from public comment, the level of misinformation surrounding this case compels us to set the record straight. My client served as a school board member — not a teacher — and thus had no direct contact with students. He is neither accused of any inappropriate touching, nor of communicating with a minor for the purpose of arranging a meeting...Instead, the charges are based on disputed online communications that must be evaluated by neutral decision-makers — not by politicians' allegations presented in a press release meant to inflame.'”

— Jacqueline Goodman, Becerra's Defense Attorney

“'The alleged actions of Trustee Becerra do not reflect the values of this board, our superintendent, district leadership or the dedicated professionals who serve our students every day.'”

— Carrie Flanders, Brea Olinda Unified School Board President

What’s next

The school board is in the process of appointing a replacement to fill Becerra's former Trustee Area 4 seat, with interviews scheduled for April 20.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for strict oversight and accountability measures for those in positions of trust over children, as well as the lasting damage that can be done when such trust is betrayed.