Sacramento Counselor Charged with Child Sex Abuse Remains on Paid Leave

Wonyoung Kim accused of targeting students during counseling sessions, earning $70,000 while on leave

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 36-year-old elementary school counselor in Sacramento, California has been charged with 10 counts of child sex abuse, including two counts of child sexual abuse with force. Wonyoung Kim is accused of targeting two young female students during counseling sessions, but has remained on paid leave and earned $70,000 since his arrest in February 2025. A civil lawsuit has also been filed alleging additional abuse of a 10-11 year old student.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the handling of child sex abuse allegations in schools, with the accused counselor remaining employed and on paid leave despite the serious charges. It also raises questions about the adequacy of background checks and oversight for school staff who have access to vulnerable children.

The details

Wonyoung Kim was arrested in February 2025 on 10 counts of child sex abuse with minors under 14, including two counts of child sexual abuse with force. He is accused of targeting two girls during counseling sessions while working at Charles Peck Elementary School. A civil lawsuit was recently filed alleging he abused a 10-11 year old student on multiple occasions, forcing her to sit on his lap, while school employees failed to act on reports of his behavior.

  • Kim began working at the elementary school in 2020.
  • Kim was placed on leave in September 2024 when police began investigating his involvement as a youth group leader at Bayside Church, where there had been 'awkward and inappropriate texts' between him and a minor.
  • Kim was arrested in February 2025 on the child sex abuse charges.

The players

Wonyoung Kim

A 36-year-old elementary school counselor in Sacramento, California who has been charged with 10 counts of child sex abuse, including two counts of child sexual abuse with force.

Charles Peck Elementary School

The school where Kim worked as a counselor and is accused of sexually abusing students.

San Juan Unified School District

The school district that employed Kim and has kept him on paid leave despite the serious charges against him.

Bayside Church

The church where Kim previously worked as a youth group leader, and where there were reports of 'awkward and inappropriate texts' between him and a minor.

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What they’re saying

“There were several incidents, and basically the kids were seeking counseling. They had something going on in their life they needed to talk about and he was the counselor that they were supposed to trust.”

— Law enforcement detective (ABC 10)

What’s next

The suspect, who remains behind bars, is ineligible for bail. The judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing issues with the handling of child sex abuse allegations in schools, where accused perpetrators can remain employed and on paid leave despite serious charges. It underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to protect vulnerable students.