Oceanside Police are commending the mom for knowing what to look for. NBC7’s Joey Safchik explains.
A Vista Unified School District (VUSD) substitute teacher was arrested Monday two days after a parent found him in a car engaged in inappropriate activity with her 13-year-old daughter at Guajome Lake Park in Oceanside, according to the Oceanside Police Department.
The mother found her daughter in the car with Connor Chanove, 27, on Saturday. An investigation identified Chavone as the suspect and revealed that he was employed by VUSD and a coach for the Carlsbad-based, all-girls Seaside Water Polo Club, according to OPD.
Chanove is also a former lifeguard for the City of Encinitas and a former open-water lifeguard for the City of Carlsbad, OPD said.
He was a seasonal part-time employee for the City of Carlsbad who worked sporadically between July 2020 and August 2022, the city confirmed to NBC 7. He no longer works for the City of Carlsbad.
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OPD tried to arrest Chanove the night of the alleged incident but he couldn't be found. He was arrested two days later and a search warrant was executed at his home in Carlsbad, according to OPD.
At this point, Chanove is facing four felony charges: arranging a meeting with a minor, luring a minor for a sexual offense and two counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14.
The VUSD is cooperating with OPD's investigation, the department said.
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"We are appalled by the thought that someone trusted to work with our children would betray their trust and innocence. Please be assured that this adult will not be on any campus in the District and that our administrative team will cooperate fully with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served," a statement from the district read in part.
NBC 7 asked the VUSD about their background check process. The district responded with the statement below:
"Background checks are the same for all new employees including substitute or permanent candidates. This includes fingerprinting through the DOJ and the FBI. The District waits for this clearance prior to a new employee starting in any position."
The Seaside Water Polo Club also released a statement Tuesday night.
"The organization is shocked by this and the coach has been suspended. Although we are unaware of any incident in our program, the parents have been asked to contact authorities with any information.”
Anyone with information about the incident can contact OPD's Family Protection Unit at (760) 435-4377.
