Clark County teacher accused of kidnapping, child abuse

A Mojave High School teacher and coach was arrested Monday and faces charges of kidnapping, child abuse and possession of narcotics for sale for allegedly giving a child marijuana.

Clark County School District police identified the teacher as Abraham Gonzalez, 41, and said the arrest stemmed from an internal investigation that began July 19. He has taught physical education classes in the district since 2006 and was the head coach of the Mojave football team from 2016 to 2018.

At his initial court hearing Tuesday, prosecutors said that Gonzalez had repeatedly given a child marijuana and that at least once the child became ill and had to go to the hospital. The basis for the kidnapping charge was not clear.

In a message to parents Tuesday, Principal Greg Cole said the teacher, whom he did not name, will not be allowed to work in the classroom at the North Las Vegas school until the concerns relating to his arrest are fully investigated.

“As a reminder, take time to talk to your students and remain in constant communication with them regarding their interactions with others,” Cole told parents. “Please report any unusual behavior or activities to authorities or school officials.”

Gonzalez remains at the Clark County Detention Center on $75,000 bail. The district attorney’s office will decide Thursday whether to charge him.

Contact Amelia Pak-Harvey at apak-harvey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4630. Follow @AmeliaPakHarvey on Twitter. Review-Journal reporter Max Michor contributed to this report.