“Unbelievable [that] this man had so many places to access children,” said social media user Sharlynn Carl Nagel.
Christopher Becerra built a career around children.
Earlier this week, the disgraced Brea Olinda Unified School District Board of Education Trustee was arrested by Brea Police Department officers for Possession of Child Pornography; Annoying or Molesting a Child; and Falsifying Evidence, and Bribing, Influencing, Intimidate or Threatening Witnesses.
The investigation began after police received a report alleging that a school board member had sent sexually explicit messages to a minor. According to authorities, the investigation expanded as evidence was uncovered. Detectives now believe that due to Becerra’s access to children, there may be additional yet-unknown victims.
Becerra’s professional life was built around early learning systems and child development. Parents trusted that background as a safeguard.
Before his election to the Brea Olinda Unified School District board of education, Becerra held senior administrative roles focused on early childhood development. Within BOUSD, he served as Administrative Director of Child Development Services, and after leaving the district, he became the county-wide Director of Early Learning and Expanded Learning. Becerra earned a doctorate in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. He was widely regarded as an expert in the field “offering specialized guidance for supporting vulnerable children and youth.”
Naturally, that professional résumé gave him access, authority, and credibility in spaces centered on children. He was involved in shaping programs meant to serve infants, toddlers, and young students across Orange County. Parents believed—and must believe—that these systems were run by experts whose focus was child welfare.
Community reaction has been marked by outrage and disbelief.
“Unbelievable [that] this man had so many places to access children. Very sick person,” said social media user Sharlynn Carl Nagel. “Thank you Brea PD for this great work.”
“Saddened to hear our Brea school district didn’t vet this person! BOUSD needs to do better!” commented social media user Devika Patel.
“The district understands that this news may be upsetting, and we want to assure you that we are taking all necessary steps available to us, under the law for elected officials, to address the situation and to ensure that our students are safe and supported,” said district Superintendent Brinda Leon.
Becerra was also an employee at Santa Ana College. His now-deleted profile on the college website states that he is a foster parent and “gay cis male.” The BOUSD website confirms he has four children in his custody.
The latter page also confirms that Becerra—a registered Democrat—“holds a graduate certificate in Leading with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as a graduate certificate in LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Educators.” His personal and campaign Facebook pages, both no longer available, featured photos of Becerra and four children—presumably his—standing in front of rainbow flags. This gave him support with left-leaning groups, like Lavender Democrats OC, when he first ran for the Area 4 seat in 2022.
Until Wednesday, Becerra was endorsed by the Orange County Democratic Party, which listed him on its website and included him among supported local officials. Following his arrest, that endorsement was quietly removed. As of this writing, the Party has not issued a public statement condemning the alleged conduct or addressing its prior support.
The same can be said of Lavender Democrats OC. Their post endorsing Becerra was removed, but they never issued any form of condemnation or apology.
That silence has not gone unnoticed.
“He is an example of the comment, KNOW WHO YOU ARE VOTING FOR! So many people vote Party only, which is such a mistake when a little detective work might have weeded him out!” comments social media user Christina Fitzgerald.
Outraged residents argue that removing a webpage is not the same as taking responsibility for elevating someone now accused of harming children. Such critics say the people and institutions that promoted Becerra should do more than quietly move on.
At minimum, they argue, there should be an acknowledgment of failure—and an apology to the children and families who now have to live with the consequences.
Add Comment