Merced, CA (January 23, 2026) — New court filings and statements from Merced County prosecutors show that a former Modesto City Schools junior high principal admitted to engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor while serving in a school leadership role in Merced County before moving to Modesto. Brian Chubon, 53, pleaded guilty on January 14 to felony charges related to unlawful sexual intercourse and oral copulation with a 17-year-old student, according to according to Merced County court records
Prosecutors say the conduct occurred in the spring of 2022 when Chubon was vice principal at Gustine High School in Merced County. A criminal complaint was filed in 2024 in Merced County Superior Court. In his plea, Chubon admitted to the elements of the charges, which stemmed from the relationship with the minor.
Chubon later relocated to Stanislaus County, where he was hired by Modesto City Schools. District officials confirmed that he served as assistant principal at Mark Twain Junior High School starting in July 2022 and was promoted to principal at Roosevelt Junior High School in July 2025. Modesto City Schools said he is no longer employed by the district.
In a statement, Modesto City Schools said the alleged conduct involved a former student from outside the district and that Chubon passed a background check when hired. The district also said it was unaware of the criminal charges when it brought him on as an administrator and described the handling of background information by Merced County agencies as “inconsistent with the processes normally taken in these situations.”
The Merced County Office of Education responded that the process followed state protocol, including a DOJ Live Scan background check, and noted that criminal charges against Chubon were filed after he had already begun working in Modesto.
In response to concerns about background checks, state lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 2534 in 2025, requiring teachers and administrators to disclose prior employers and requiring school districts to verify allegations, including those involving abuse.
Parents in Modesto have expressed concern about the hiring process and have called for greater transparency. Court proceedings in Merced County will determine Chubon’s sentence under California law.
