Millbrae police officers arrested a Taylor Middle School sixth-grade teacher on Thursday on multiple charges of sexually assaulting minors who are or were students at the school.
On Friday, February 24, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Millbrae Police officers from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at Taylor Middle School for a report of an alleged sexual assault of a student by a sixth grade teacher.
School staff informed officers that upon learning of the allegation, the teacher was placed on administrative leave, and per school protocol, the Sheriff's Office was notified.
The investigation revealed that the alleged sexual assault took place sometime between November 2021 and March 2022.
During the ongoing investigation, detectives became aware of several minors who also claimed to have been inappropriately touched – above their clothing – by the suspect between 2007 and 2022.
In response, on Thursday, April 20, Sheriff's detectives arrested Matthew Garrett, 54, at his home in San Francisco, and he was booked into the Maguire Correctional Center on the aforementioned charges, while his bail was set at $5 million.
"Teachers are the caretakers entrusted with our children to help protect and safeguard them while they are at school," Sheriff Christina Corpus said in a statement.
“What this suspect has allegedly done to the students in his care is abhorrent and goes against everything good, dedicated teachers stand for. These are difficult cases to investigate, but our Office is committed to protecting and serving the children of our community,” she added.
As this is an ongoing investigation, Sheriff's detectives believe other victims and witnesses have not yet been identified.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office recognized that this type of incident can cause a wide range of emotional responses and the need for parents to talk to their children about inappropriate behavior between adults and minors.
To help navigate these difficult, but important discussions, the resources provided by the Darkness To ight organization, which seeks to prevent sexual abuse of minors, are available online.
Authorities urged anyone with information regarding this incident to call Detective Homing Cheung at 650-599-1546 or the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, with anonymous tips at 1-800-547-2700.
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