San Jose Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Propositioning Undercover Cop Posing as 13-Year-Old

Ruben Guzman, a finalist for California Teacher of the Year, accused of trying to pay for sex with minor

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A San Jose assistant principal, who was a 2024 finalist for California Teacher of the Year, has been arrested after allegedly attempting to pay an undercover officer, whom he thought was a 13-year-old boy, for sex. Ruben Guzman, 31, a math teacher and assistant principal at Sunrise Middle School, was arrested as part of an online sting operation by the San Jose police during Super Bowl week.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of educators abusing positions of trust and authority, as well as the efforts by law enforcement to crack down on online predators targeting minors. It raises concerns about potential additional victims and the need for thorough background checks and monitoring of school staff.

The details

According to police, on February 3, 2026, Guzman started communicating with who he believed was a 13-year-old boy and acknowledged the child's age. Guzman then allegedly offered to engage in sexual acts with the minor in exchange for money. When Guzman arrived to meet the 'child', he was apprehended by undercover officers. A search of Guzman revealed items consistent with the planned encounter. Authorities stated that because Guzman worked in a position of trust with children, there may be additional victims.

  • On February 3, 2026, Guzman started communicating with who he believed was a 13-year-old boy.
  • On February 3, 2026, Guzman was arrested when he arrived to meet the 'child'.

The players

Ruben Guzman

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

San Jose Police Department (SJPD)

The law enforcement agency that conducted the online sting operation that led to Guzman's arrest.

Sunrise Middle School

The school where Guzman was employed as a math teacher and assistant principal.

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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, said other schools to indicate anything had any problems with his work.”

— Teresa Robinson, Principal, Sunrise Middle School (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 critical need for rigorous background checks, ongoing monitoring, and swift action when educators abuse positions of trust, in order to protect vulnerable students and maintain the integrity of the teaching profession.