Last Friday, 23-year-old Henry Reed was arrested in his home on account of annoying and molesting a 17-year-old girl, according to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety.

Reed, who worked part time as an assistant drum coach at SCHS, was charged with two felonies of sending indecent matter to a minor, and two misdemeanors for annoying and molesting a minor. The girl, whose school remains undisclosed to protect her identity, provided evidence to school officials, who then forwarded it to the police. Although no SCHS students appear to have been involved, Sunnyvale officials are continuing to look for additional victims at the various schools Reed taught at on a multi-district level.

“This came from something that happened at a different school,” principal Gregory Shelby said. “We still don’t think that there’s any issues here, but obviously, we are going to always err on the side of [caution] with students.”

Jonathan Erdman, head of the music department at SCHS, described the news as “heartbreaking,” though his initial reaction rested on the safety and wellbeing of his students.  

“My first thought was not even about him,” Erdman said. “My first thought was, ‘Are all my students okay?’”

Erdman emphasized the importance of trust in relationships between musicians.

“We have a culture of trust and understanding,” Erdman said regarding his teaching, “and someone came in here and, through their actions, risked that trust between them, me, [and] our community.”

Reed’s arrest was not only felt by staff and teachers but by students as well.

Sophomore Eduardo Perez, leader of the drumline for SCHS’s marching band, was sickened to hear the news.

“I feel that band is an outlet where you can be yourself and have fun, and [Reed’s actions] kinda broke that bubble,” Perez said. “I was really shocked, just like everyone.”

Students are encouraged by Shelby to speak out about any type of violence or harassment.

“Reach out, [and] find a responsible adult,” Shelby said. “Every adult on campus here is a mandated reporter…. We are obligated to help and we will do everything we can to protect our students.”

Additionally, students with any information on Reed are asked to contact Detective Karin Jenks at 408-730-7129.