El Cajon, December 20, 2025
Kevin Conover, a 49-year-old former teacher from Christian High School in El Cajon, has pleaded not guilty to 14 felony charges related to child sexual abuse. Allegations include aggravated sexual assault of a minor, with incidents reportedly occurring from 2015 to 2019. Conover, who remains in custody without bail, faces a potential sentence of up to 111 years to life in prison if convicted. The investigation is ongoing as the community expresses concern regarding the implications of these serious allegations.
El Cajon Teacher Pleads Not Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse Charges
El Cajon, California – Kevin Conover, a 49-year-old former teacher at Christian High School in El Cajon, has pleaded not guilty to 14 felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between 2015 and 2019, beginning when the victim was seven years old. If convicted on all counts, Conover faces a potential sentence of up to 111 years to life in state prison.
Details of the Allegations
Conover was arrested on December 16, 2025, following an investigation initiated in October after the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office received reports of sexual assault involving a family member. The alleged victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, is a family member of Conover. The charges include aggravated sexual assault of a child and lewd acts upon a child. During his arraignment, Conover’s defense attorneys did not request bail, and he remains in custody without bail.
Background on the Defendant
Prior to his arrest, Conover served as the Bible Department Head and senior Bible apologetics teacher at Christian High School, a private institution affiliated with Shadow Mountain Community Church. He also ran an online Bible apologetics curriculum titled “Educate For Life” and hosted a podcast by the same name. The school’s website has since removed references to Conover. Superintendent Bob Ruhlman stated that Conover’s employment has been suspended and emphasized that investigators have indicated the alleged conduct did not involve the school or any of its students.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Conover faces multiple felony counts, including aggravated sexual assault of a child and lewd acts upon a child. If convicted on all counts, he could receive a sentence ranging from 111 years to life in state prison. The legal process is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the case progresses through the court system.
Community and School Response
The allegations have raised significant concern within the local community and the educational institution. Christian High School has suspended Conover’s employment, and the investigation is ongoing. The school has urged anyone with information regarding the alleged abuse to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Related Cases
This case is part of a broader pattern of sexual abuse allegations involving educators. For instance, in 2024, a former Catholic high school counselor in Ohio was sentenced for abusing a teen student. Such cases highlight the ongoing challenges educational institutions face in ensuring the safety and well-being of their students.
Conclusion
The legal proceedings against Kevin Conover are in the early stages, and the community awaits further developments. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation in addressing allegations of sexual abuse within educational settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the charges against Kevin Conover?
Kevin Conover faces 14 felony charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child and lewd acts upon a child, related to alleged incidents between 2015 and 2019.
What is the potential sentence if Conover is convicted?
If convicted on all counts, Conover faces a potential sentence of up to 111 years to life in state prison.
What is the current status of Conover’s employment?
Conover’s employment at Christian High School has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation and legal proceedings.
How can individuals assist in the investigation?
Anyone with information regarding the alleged abuse is encouraged to contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to aid in the investigation.
Are there similar cases involving educators?
Yes, there have been other cases involving educators facing sexual abuse allegations, such as the 2024 case of a former Catholic high school counselor in Ohio who was sentenced for abusing a teen student.
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Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Kevin Conover, 49, former teacher at Christian High School in El Cajon, California. |
| Charges | 14 felony counts, including aggravated sexual assault of a child and lewd acts upon a child, related to alleged incidents between 2015 and 2019. |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 111 years to life in state prison if convicted on all counts. |
| Employment Status | Suspended pending the outcome of the investigation and legal proceedings. |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; authorities encourage individuals with information to come forward to assist in the investigation. |
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