California ‘Teacher of the Year’ Arrested For Alleging Sex With a 16-Year-Old Boy – And Police Believe There Are ‘Other Victims’

A California teacher has been arrested after allegedly having sex with an underage student.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced last Friday that an arrest had been made amid their investigation into illegal sex acts with a minor – and the suspect of concern turned out to be Yucaipa . High School teacher Tracy Vanderhulst:

“On Thursday, May 18, 2023, detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Specialized investigation room — Crime of child abuse Details and Yucaipa Station investigated allegations of illegal sex with a minor by a teacher at Yucaipa High School. Detectives have identified Yucaipa High School teacher, Tracy Vanderhulst, as a suspect.”

WTF??

The teacher was arrested around 11:00 that night, and brought in Central Prison in San Bernardino and was held on $30,000 bail on suspicion of unlawful sex with a minor.

The 38-year-old woman allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old boy, although it is unclear if he was a student at the high school she teaches. What’s even more troubling? The sheriff’s department “believes there may be more victims.” Serious?? SICK! She is trusted by adults to train, develop and impart knowledge to their children, and this is what she allegedly did??

Until suspected for her alleged conduct, math teachers were highly regarded in the district. According to a YHS Facebook post, she was included in 2013 and awarded “Teacher of the Year” four years later in 2017, according to KTLA-TV. In an article from Mirror News at the time of her triumph, the educator was written about with appreciation:

“[Vanderhulst] the epitome of the educator so many aspire to be – she is the kind and creative teacher we hope our children will grow out of; Educator tries to engage all of her students from her intervention classes to her honors classes.”

In a currently deleted Twitter post, the school said she “provides a rigorous math curriculum and cares deeply for her students.”

How could someone who seemed so fit for their role be so horribly wrong?

As of now, it’s unclear whether Vanderhulst hired an attorney or entered into a plea agreement in her case, but the sheriff’s department is asking anyone with information to “contact Detective Rachel Young of the Division of Specialized Investigations, Crime Against Children Details at (909) 890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you can leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com .”

What are YOUR thoughts on this case? Share in the comments section below.

If you or someone you know has been sexually abused and would like to learn more about resources, consider seeing https://www.rainn.org/resources.

[Image via San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department]