Overview
- The West Contra Costa Unified School District suspended El Cerrito High’s football program and placed head coach Tim Johnson on administrative leave on Thursday after new findings in an investigation.
- El Cerrito police say detectives have identified as many as 22 current and former student athletes who could face arrest in a probe that began after a mandated reporter’s October complaint.
- Officials say alleged incidents occurred between September 2024 and October 2026 and include claims of battery, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, stalking, conspiracy, and dissuading a victim.
- The district has hired an independent third party to carry out a separate Title IX investigation while offering anti-hazing education, bystander training, counseling, and support to impacted students.
- Because the cases involve juveniles, police and district officials are withholding detailed information; next steps include possible arrests and parallel administrative decisions from the Title IX process that could affect students and staff.