School Custodian Accused of Having Sex With Minor

A 34-year-old man suspected of having consensual sex with an underage girl is a custodian with the Simi Valley School District, authorities confirmed Monday.

Eric Douglas Harris of Simi Valley was arrested last week on suspicion of one count of sex with a minor and one count of oral copulation with a minor, said Simi Valley Police Det. David DelMarto.

District Personnel Director John Abysmeier said Harris, a two-year full-time employee, has not been back to work since his arrest Thursday and will now be suspended, as required by the state Education Code when such crimes are alleged. If he is cleared, he will be able to resume work.

Cary Dritz, assistant superintendent of personnel services, would not identify the school or district site where Harris worked.

Harris, released on $5,000 bail, could not be reached Monday.

Police say Harris and an unidentified friend, whom police know only as “Mike,” are suspected of having unlawful sex with a 17-year-old Simi Valley girl July 5 at Harris’ home in the 2200 block of Madrone Street.

DelMarto said that Harris and his friend were driving north on Sycamore Drive when they pulled alongside the girl. She was walking near Alamo Street and they offered her a ride to a mall, he said.

The girl got into the vehicle, but instead of going to the shopping center, the three ended up about one mile south at Harris’ home, DelMarto said.

“The suspects then engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim, which was consensual,” DelMarto said.

Authorities have not been able to find the second suspect.

Harris is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Adam Pearlman.