Yorba Linda Middle School music director arrested on suspicion of child molestation

Authorities arrested the music director of Yorba Linda Middle School Thursday, July 25, on suspicion of molesting a former student when she was a minor.

Deputies took Daniel Methe, 44, into custody at his home in Yorba Linda at about 9:45 a.m., Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials said in a news release. He was booked on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and held in lieu of $100,000.

Investigators suspect Methe repeatedly had inappropriate contact with a former student, which started in 2011, sheriff’s department spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. The abuse allegedly began when the victim was 13 and ended when she was 15.

“Upon learning of the arrest, District administrators immediately placed the individual on paid administrative leave pending investigation,” Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified officials said in a statement. “In moving forward, the District will continue to fully support OCSD throughout their ongoing investigation into this confidential personnel matter.”

Methe has worked for the district since 1999, and has interacted with children on a regular basis for the past 20 years. Sheriff’s officials believe he may have other potential victims, and have asked for the public’s help in identifying other instances of abuse. Authorities asked anyone with information relevant to their investigation to contact deputies by calling 714-647-7419. Tips can also be left anonymously with OC Crime Stoppers by dialing 855-TIP-OCCS or visiting occrimestoppers.org.