Teacher of the Year Finalist Arrested in Underage Sex Sting

Ruben Guzman, a 31-year-old math teacher and assistant principal, allegedly offered cash for sex acts with someone he thought was a 13-year-old boy

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A California teacher who was named a Teacher of the Year finalist in 2024 was arrested in a sting operation after allegedly communicating with someone he thought was a 13-year-old boy and offering cash in exchange for sexual acts. Ruben Guzman, a 31-year-old math teacher and assistant principal at Sunrise Middle School in San Jose, was taken into custody by police after arranging to meet the minor.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of educators abusing their positions of trust and authority to exploit minors. While Guzman was a well-regarded teacher, his alleged actions demonstrate the need for continued vigilance and thorough background checks to protect vulnerable students.

The details

According to the San Jose Police Department, Guzman began communicating with someone he believed was a 13-year-old boy on February 3rd. He allegedly acknowledged the child's age and offered money in exchange for sexual acts. Guzman then arranged to meet the minor, but was instead met by undercover officers who took him into custody. Police searched his belongings and found "items consistent with the planned encounter."

  • On February 3rd, Guzman allegedly began communicating with someone he thought was a 13-year-old boy.
  • Guzman arranged to meet the minor on February 3rd, but was instead met by police officers who arrested him.

The players

Ruben Guzman

A 31-year-old math teacher and assistant principal at Sunrise Middle School in San Jose, California, who was named a Teacher of the Year finalist in 2024.

San Jose Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the sting operation and arrested Guzman.

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What they’re saying

“While this is deeply upsetting, it does not reflect who we are as a school. He was a highly regarded teacher and administrator. Again, there was nothing in his work record or his prior work record [at] other schools to indicate anyone had any problems with his work.”

— Teresa Robinson, Sunrise Middle School director (ABC7)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ruben Guzman out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and thorough background checks to protect vulnerable students, even among highly regarded educators. It also underscores the importance of proactive law enforcement operations to identify and apprehend those seeking to exploit minors online.