Sacramento School Counselor Charged with Child Sex Abuse Remains on Paid Leave

Wonyoung Kim has earned $70,000 while on leave after being arrested on 10 counts of child sex abuse

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A Sacramento elementary school counselor, Wonyoung Kim, has been charged with sexually abusing children under his care, including two girls during counseling sessions at Charles Peck Elementary School. Despite the horrifying charges, Kim has remained on paid leave with the San Juan Unified School District since the police investigation began in September 2024, and he continues to be employed by the district.

Why it matters

This case highlights the troubling issue of school employees accused of sexual abuse being allowed to remain on paid leave, even after criminal charges have been filed. It raises questions about the district's handling of the allegations and its responsibility to protect students from potential predators.

The details

Kim, 36, was arrested in February 2025 on 10 counts of child sex abuse with minors under age 14, including two counts of child sex abuse with force. Police say he abused two girls during counseling sessions at Charles Peck Elementary School, where he worked as a counselor. Kim has been on paid leave since the police investigation began in September 2024 and remains an employee of the San Juan Unified School District, where he has worked since 2020.

  • Kim was arrested in February 2025 after a five-month police investigation.
  • The police investigation began in September 2024 after an incident with a minor at a church where Kim was a youth group leader.
  • Kim's criminal trial is set to begin on April 13.

The players

Wonyoung Kim

A 36-year-old school counselor at Charles Peck Elementary School in Sacramento, California, who has been charged with 10 counts of child sex abuse, including two counts of child sex abuse with force.

Charles Peck Elementary School

The school where Kim worked as a counselor and allegedly abused two young girls.

San Juan Unified School District

The school district that has kept Kim on paid leave since the police investigation began in September 2024, despite the criminal charges against him.

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What’s next

Kim's criminal trial is set to begin on April 13, where the court will determine his fate and whether the school district's decision to keep him on paid leave was appropriate.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stricter policies and oversight when it comes to handling allegations of sexual abuse against school employees. School districts must prioritize student safety and take swift action to remove accused individuals from positions of authority, rather than allowing them to remain on paid leave while criminal proceedings unfold.