Calabasas Teacher Charged with Molestation, Child Porn Possession

Prosecutors say the teacher allegedly took secret photos of female students and possessed child sexual abuse material.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Los Angeles prosecutors have charged a 39-year-old Calabasas teacher named Travis Takeshi Shojinaga with five felony counts, including allegations that he molested multiple female students and possessed child sexual abuse material. Shojinaga faces up to seven years in prison if convicted and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Why it matters

The accusations against Shojinaga are deeply disturbing, as they involve the alleged exploitation and violation of children's safety and rights within the school environment, which is meant to be a protected and trusted space. This case highlights the critical need for robust safeguards and oversight to prevent such abuses from occurring in schools.

The details

Prosecutors say Shojinaga worked at Viewpoint School for 10 years, teaching students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. He is accused of taking secret and intimate photos of at least four female students. Shojinaga was arrested at the school on February 25 after an 11-year-old student reported that he was allegedly taking photos of girls. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

  • Shojinaga was arrested at Viewpoint School on February 25, 2026.
  • Prosecutors filed five felony charges against Shojinaga on February 28, 2026.

The players

Travis Takeshi Shojinaga

A 39-year-old teacher at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California, who has been charged with five felony counts, including allegations of molesting female students and possessing child sexual abuse material.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who described the accusations against Shojinaga as "disgusting and deliberate violations of children's safety, dignity and rights."

Viewpoint School

A private school in Calabasas, California, where Shojinaga taught students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade for 10 years.

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What they’re saying

“The accusations in this case are disgusting and deliberate violations of children's safety, dignity and rights. Our community's schools are meant to be safe and protected environments for youths.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney (CBS News)

“We believe there may be more victims and encourage anyone with information to call law enforcement. Anyone who chooses to commit crimes against children, especially on a school campus, will be criminally prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Shojinaga's bail on March 3, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust safeguards and oversight in schools to protect students from predatory behavior by teachers and staff. It also highlights the importance of encouraging victims to come forward and ensuring that those who commit crimes against children face the full consequences of the law.