Camarillo High Teacher Charged in Sex Case Released on Bail

A Camarillo High School teacher accused of committing sex crimes against nine male students was released from Ventura County Jail on bail Friday.

Chad Wenzlick Pridgen posted a $250,000 bond and was released, jail officials said.

On Wednesday, in a courtroom packed with more than 50 supportive parents, students and teachers, a judge denied a bid by Pridgen’s attorneys to lower the bail amount to $50,000.

A protective order issued Wednesday by Superior Court Judge Roland Purnell prohibits Pridgen from communicating with any of the alleged victims, all of whom are current or former students at Camarillo High School.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Douglas Ridley said the order also requires the science teacher and tennis coach to stay away from the high school campus, the homes of any students attending the school or any other school event where Camarillo High students may be present.

Pridgen is further prohibited from having contact with anyone under the age of 18 other than his own 8-year-old son, Ridley said, and his passport has been revoked to ensure that he does not leave the country.

“If anyone in the community sees Mr. Pridgen having contact with any minor children or violating any terms of this protective order, they should contact the Sheriff’s Department immediately,” Ridley said.

Violating the order could cause Pridgen’s bail to be revoked, Ridley said, and additional charges could be filed.

The teacher faces 33 felony and misdemeanor counts alleging that he gave alcohol to, tried to seduce or had sexual relations with students between September 2000 and his arrest Feb. 5.

At least two of the victims were forced to perform oral sex either on Pridgen or another student, according to the district attorney’s complaint.

If convicted on any of the charges, Pridgen could face up to 30 years in state prison.

Oxnard Union High School District officials have placed Pridgen on unpaid leave from his post at the Camarillo campus, effective Feb. 8.

Roger Rice, an assistant superintendent, said the state education code prohibits teachers charged with serious sex offenses from collecting paychecks until the outcome of their trials.

Pridgen’s four Advanced Placement courses have been assigned to a substitute teacher, and the district is seeking a temporary replacement with expertise in high school chemistry or environmental science, Rice said.