Former Oak Ridge High School Band Teacher Accused of Child Sex Crimes

Paul Varoff faces 10 felony counts related to sexual acts with a minor

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:31pm

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A former Oak Ridge High School band teacher, Paul Varoff, has been arrested and is facing 10 felony counts related to sexual acts he allegedly committed with a person under the age of 18, including one incident that occurred in his school office. Varoff appeared in El Dorado County Superior Court on Wednesday but did not enter a plea, instead seeking private representation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious nature of child sex crimes and the abuse of trust by authority figures, especially those working in schools. It raises concerns about student safety and the need for thorough background checks and oversight of school employees.

The details

According to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, Varoff taught at Oak Ridge High School for over 30 years. The criminal complaint alleges five counts of oral copulation of a person under 18 and five counts of sexual penetration of a person under 18, stemming from seven alleged incidents between January 1, 2023, and August 31, 2023. The prosecution also alleges several aggravating factors, including that the victim was particularly vulnerable, Varoff's conduct involved planning and sophistication, and that the former teacher abused a position of trust and confidence. The offenses are said to have occurred at multiple locations, including Varoff's residence in Sacramento County and his school office in El Dorado County.

  • Varoff was arrested on Monday, January 29, 2026.
  • Varoff's first court appearance was on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • A new arraignment hearing has been scheduled for February 12, 2026.

The players

Paul Varoff

A former Oak Ridge High School band teacher who is accused of 10 felony counts related to sexual acts with a person under the age of 18.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the case against Paul Varoff.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on February 12, 2026, whether to allow Varoff to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in schools to protect students from predatory behavior by trusted authority figures. It emphasizes the need for robust screening, training, and monitoring of school staff to prevent such abuses of power.