A Gerlach K-12 School employee was arrested by Washoe County Sheriff’s Office detectives following an investigation into reports of alleged inappropriate conduct involving a student.
The initial report came on November 10, prompting detectives to work with school officials to investigate.
The alleged suspect, 44-year-old Isreal Cruz-Gonzalez, a Gerlach resident, was identified during the inquiry.
Cruz-Gonzalez was arrested on November 13 in Gerlach without incident. He was booked at the Washoe County Detention Facility on a charge of Sexual Conduct Between Certain Employees of School or Volunteers at School and Pupil, a Category C felony.
The Washoe County School District said in a statement that it has been advised of the arrest by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and has placed Cruz-Gonzalez on administrative leave with pay as due process begins.
The district said it is deeply concerned by the allegations and emphasized that the safety of students and staff is its highest priority.
WCSD noted that all prospective employees must pass criminal background checks before being hired. According to the district, Cruz-Gonzalez works at Gerlach K-12 as the Site Facilities Coordinator and has been employed since October 17, 2022. WCSD said it cannot provide further information because the investigation remains active.
“Safeguarding the youth of our community is fundamental to the mission of the Sheriff’s Office. Exploitation of children is unacceptable, and we will continue to pursue anyone who harms or attempts to victimize our youth. I commend the swift and diligent work by our detectives, Patrol Division, and partner agencies in ensuring this case was acted on quickly and thoroughly,” said Sheriff Balaam.
The investigation is ongoing. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Detective Division at (775) 328-3320, referencing case WC25-5685.
