Heritage High Advise Parents of Ex-Teacher Interacting With Students

On Tuesday, Heritage High School Principal Casey Lewis released a statement to parents warning them about a potential threat on campus where it was determined that there was no validity to a threat.

Although Lewis did not name the former employee, ex-Heritage High School Teacher Carlos Hurtado held an hour-long live meeting on social media where he brought on multiple people to the stream, including students and former students while making many accusations about the Liberty Union High School District.

During the live video, Hurtado said something was going to happen at Heritage High School at noon and went back and forth whether or not it would be peaceful. He also said he would be attending the homecoming parade.

While doing the live stream, he also called Superintendent Eric Volta, Association Superintendent Denise Rugani, and Principal Casey Lewis all names–also alleging Rugani forced a teacher to change grades of a Freedom High School football player who now plays in the NFL.

Here is the message that went out.

Good Afternoon Heritage Families,

It’s been two weeks since the arrest of a former employee, which has been well documented in the local press. Unfortunately, the disruptions to our student learning continue through social media marketing directed towards our students. We are working very closely with Brentwood PD to continue to monitor the comments and whereabouts of the former teacher. Today there was a post on social media from him asking students to protest on campus, which was addressed. It was determined that there was no validity to a threat. For this Friday’s game and dance we will have the support of the Brentwood PD. To help alleviate any concerns, we are bolstering Police and Security presence. According to police, he has not made an immediate threat towards the school, however he does continue to engage students on social media. Please speak with your student in regards to their social media use and who they follow. The influence of social media can definitely have a negative impact, and in this case, it rings true. Please know we are doing everything we can to keep Heritage’s campus safe.

 We’re excited for this week’s Homecoming festivities, dance and football game. We are proud of our students and all their accomplishments and hard work they have displayed throughout the first qtr.

Thank you for your patience and support.

Mr. Lewis

According to Brentwood Police spokesperson Officer Michael Maano, he said At this point there have been no confirmed threats of physical violence to harm anyone.

“We have looked into both of the allegations, and have determined that they are not credible. There were suggestions made that he might show up to the school today, or possibly during the homecoming game on Friday night, and neither allegation has been determined to be credible. The situation is continuously being monitored by BPD,” said Maano.

Screenshot from Instagram Live

Tidbits from Hurtado’s live stream Monday night (paraphrased only)

• A co-worker accused him of sexual harassment
• Accuses Principal Casey Lewis of threatening him
• Called Volta a “puppet”, Rugani a “tyrant” and Lewis a “coward”
• Admits to showing up late to a school meeting
• Posted videos on social media from school — accuses other teachers of doing this as well
• Admitted to moonlighting as a travel agent while on school grounds–accuses other teachers of doing this.
• Contacted female students current/former through social media accounts — to take photos
• Admits he offered to resign on three separate occasions.
• Resigned after the District said he would not be back after finishing out the year
• Accuses Lewis and 3 others of following him in a golf cart while on campus then threatening him
• Accused the union representative of lecturing him
• Says Rugani is a “tyrant” and going to jail and he has evidence on her for changing a football players grade–the player is now a running back in the NFL.
• Football Game Incident — said he bought a ticket but when approached by staff and police he ran. He then made fun of Brentwood Police for being slow and out of shape. Says he will get a payday from how he was treated. Accuses Brentwood police of not providing name, badge number or providing him medical attention when asked–says he will ask for $1 billion in damages. Then says it will not be a billion, but will be a “fat lawsuit” and then wants to give money to police for proper training, fitness program.
• Stated he was proud of his mugshot because he looks like a realtor.
• Someone on the livestream asked Hurtado if he was still giving him court side basketball tickets, Hurtado said yes.
• When someone asked about the other coach tackling him. He replied he was happy because that coach will be fired.
• Speaking with several students on Instagram and said he knew they had school tomorrow so the call was ending and told them all to get rest and watch for him on Instagram live around noon.

Superintendent Volta issued the following statement:

“As far as the safety aspect, after talking to numerous officers form Brentwood PD, I am very confident about the safety of the school.  Unfortunately, Mr. Hurtado seems to be very popular with the students and his livestreams have become disruptive to the educational environment.”

He said the District is currently working with legal about next steps.

“As far as being threatened by him, even by your synopsis below, the “big” thing will be peaceful.  He has already been told by law enforcement on multiple occasions, by multiple agencies,  to not be on our campuses. Thus, if he does, he will once again be taken into custody,” said Volta.  “It’s is truly unfortunate that social media, and the lengths that one will go through for followers and likes, have become such a large part of our lives, and a forum for public comment and ridicule.”

According to a public records request, the Liberty Union High School District provided three letters directly to Hurtado with the first being August 29 after Hurtado voluntarily resigned–he was informed the school board accepted his resignation and he was no longer allowed to be on the Heritage High School campus.

Hurtado then proceeded to go onto both Heritage High School and Freedom High School campuses which prompted the District to send two additional letters on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 reminding him to stay away from all District facilities and if he didn’t comply might be in violation of the law.

According to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Hurtado was given a Certificate of Clearance on February 22, 2020 and a preliminary single subject teaching credentials on May 14, 2022. Prior to that, he was a substitute teacher.

On September 6, Hurtado apparently filed a Civil Harassment Restraining Order against Heritage High School principal Casey Lewis according to the Contra Costa County Courts.

4:00 pm UPDATE

The Brentwood Police Department is working closely with Heritage High School staff and the Liberty Union High School District to monitor and ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff on campus.

Today, Brentwood PD received a call regarding a former teacher who was encouraging students to protest on campus. Due to conflicting information, we had several officers on scene immediately, including our School Resource Officer, to investigate and monitor the situation.

After we confirmed there were no threats to the school, we had officers stay on campus for the duration of the school day. At this time we are continuing to monitor the situation and we will have additional officers at the Heritage H.S homecoming dance and parade.

We take any calls regarding our schools seriously and we encourage anyone to call our Dispatch at 925-809-7911 or 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency, with any additional information.

Please review the following letter from Heritage High School Principal, Casey Lewis, which was distributed to the parents of Heritage High School students.

Previous Stories:

• Sept. 12 : Letters Show Ex-Teacher Told to Stay Away from Liberty High School District
• Sept. 2: Ex-Teacher Arrested After Running onto Field During Heritage HS Football Game