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Molestation Suspect Exaggerated Job History; South Bay Science Camp For Kids Failed To Reference Check

SAN JOSE (KCBS)— Edgar Covarrubias-Padilla, the former camp counselor at Walden West in Santa Clara County, appears to have exaggerated his job history in order to with kids at the popular science camp. Last month, the accused predator was arrested on child pornography and molestation charges.

Covarrubias-Padilla stated on his job application for Walden West that he had worked for three months at a YMCA summer day care in Santa Clara. According to school officials, he only worked there for 18 hours. San Jose Mercury News reported The Santa Clara County Office of Education confirmed they did not check his references.

There are other discrepancies in his work history and parents want to know why the suspect was promoted by the camp to the point where he was the only staff member working nights.

Following public outcry from parents and teachers who said this incident could have been prevented, The Santa Clara County Office of Education announced late Friday they would be forming a task force to look into policies and procedures at the camp.

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