Former Monterey County elementary school music teacher convicted of lewd acts with minors

SALINAS – Jonathon Griffin, 44, of Salinas was convicted by a jury of lewd and lascivious acts on four children under the age of 14. Griffin faces a maximum sentence of 14 years.

Griffin, a former music teacher in the Salinas City Elementary School District, was arrested in December 2023. The case began in October 2023 after Salinas Police Officer Katherine Linnene responded to a report of past tense sexual assault, according to a news release from District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni’s office.

A parent reported that her then 10-year-old daughter was touched by Griffin. Detectives Ermelina Reyes and Yolanda Rocha were assigned to the case and discovered three additional students who reported similar incidents involving Griffin. The four victims were all 10-year-old girls in fifth grade.

Some of the victims reported being touched by Griffin during class. They reported that Griffin would touch their thighs or buttocks when responding to their requests for assistance during class, according to the news release. There were also reports that while students were standing up and helping peers, Griffin would walk by and touch their buttocks.

Griffin pleaded not guilty to seven counts of lewd acts with a minor in April 2024. A jury convicted Griffin on a total of eight felony charges on June 13.

All eight charges are “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law and will require Griffin to register as a sex offender for 20 years. Griffin faces up to 14 years in state prison and will return to court June 27 for his sentencing.