By Lexie Blakeman
Exec. News Editor
Kevin Bandel, a part-time employee of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD), was arrested by the Redondo Beach Police Department (RBPD) on Jan. 26. on suspicion of possession of child pornography.
Bandel worked for MBUSD as an instructional assistant to the strings program starting in August 2018 but has currently been put on administrative leave. MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes and Costa Principal Dr. Karina Gerger declined to give comment on the situation due to the ongoing investigation.
“Instructional assistants, like Mr. Bandel, are assigned to support students in the program, always under the direction and supervision of the certified teacher,” said Hibah Samad, MBUSD public information officer.
As an employee for MBUSD’s elementary strings program, Bandel assisted cello students through rehearsals during and after school. Additionally, Bandel offered private cello lessons to students as a freelance instructor.
“Per RBPD’s preliminary investigation, they do not have knowledge that the material in Mr. Bandel’s possession is connected with any MBUSD student, nor do they have any indication that any crime has been committed against any MBUSD student,” said Samad.
As part of the Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the RBPD received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding possible online possession of child pornography, including sexual abuse material.
“The Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, that’s basically a data collection center,” said RBPD Sergeant Mike Snakenborg. “Our detectives are a part of that group, and they get the notification that we have this person of interest and where the information is coming from.”
Based on the tip, detectives initiated an investigation that led to a search warrant being served on the 1300 block of Curtis Avenue in Manhattan Beach.
“We were deeply saddened to hear the news, and we’re grateful to the RBPD for taking the steps necessary in this situation,” said Samad.
According to a press release from RBPD, multiple items of evidence were collected, and Bandel was then booked at Redondo Beach city jail. Bandel was arrested in the morning and released in the early afternoon of the same day after meeting bail set at $20,000. However, the investigation is still pending, and no decision has been made.
“MBUSD has a rigorous hiring process, which includes a criminal background check and interviews and reference checks for all employees,” said Samad.
Free counseling services have been made available to students through Employee Assistance Services for Education program through the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The date of Bandel’s arraignment has not yet been released to the public as the investigation is still ongoing.
“We expect all staff to strictly adhere to the district’s high standards of professional conduct and code of ethics,” said Samad.
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