GECA teacher arrest

On 11/29/2016, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office began a criminal investigation into an alleged sexual relationship between an underage female student and her male teacher at the Gilroy Early College Academy (GECA). GECA is an educational partnership between Gilroy Unified School District and Gavilan College. The teacher, William Dawson, had the inappropriate relationship with the female victim during the 2014/2015 school year. Upon discovery of Dawson’s alleged conduct, GECA immediately placed Dawson on administrative leave and notified the Sheriff’s Office.

Sexual Assault Investigators determined Dawson was 30 years old at the time of the sexual relationship, and the female victim had just turned 17 years old. Investigators interviewed multiple parties during the course of the investigation and also collected evidence.

On the evening of 02/22/17, William Dawson of Los Gatos, now age 32, was arrested at the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters on seven felony charges. The charges included multiple counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor, multiple counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse, and a single count of Distribution of Harmful Matter Sent to Seduce a Minor. Dawson was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail and was released after posting $150,000 bail.

The investigation is still ongoing and no further information will be provided at this time. Investigators do not believe there are any other victims who previously attended or currently attend GECA. However, Sheriff’s Office Investigators are asking any persons with information regarding the above case to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit at 408-808-4500.