Petaluma school counselor arrested for sex crimes against a child

(KRON) – A Cinnabar Elementary School counselor was arrested after Sonoma County deputies received a report of child molestation at the school in Petaluma on Sunday, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff.

At 10:37 a.m. Sept. 28, deputies received a call reporting child molestation at Cinnabar Elementary School involving an employee. After interviewing the alleged victim, detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of John Conant, a 66-year old Sebastopol resident. He was arrested early Monday morning, the Sheriff’s office reported. 

Conant was booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on suspicion of committing lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and his bail was set to $250,000. In a statement from the Cinnabar Elementary School District Superintendent, Jamie Azevedo said, “We are working closely with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students.”

Officials believe that there may be additional victims due to Conant’s position at the school. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who may be a victim to contact the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit at 707-565-8290.