Learning center issues statement after former employee arrested for child sexual abuse
A local learning center that once employed a man recently arrested for child sexual abuse has issued a statement in response to the incident.
Bermuda Dunes Learning Center (BDLC) accepted the resignation 28-year-old Devin Lujan on June 29, the day after his arrest. According to BDLC, the resignation came via email and without explanation.
Lujan and fellow Palm Desert resident James Anderson, 31, were both arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse crimes on the 74000 block of Scholar Lane at 10:08 a.m. on June 28.
BDLC’s statement comes on the heels of a three-hour-long forum held on Monday, hosting 80 parents and addressing their concerns following Lujan’s arrest.
“The safety of the children entrusted to its care has always been BDLC’s absolute priority and BDLC implements the most rigorous security screening measures available. All BDLC staff undergo a thorough background check, including fingerprinting, and must be cleared through both the Department of Justice and the FBI before hiring,” a portion of BDLC’s release on the incident read. “At the time of his hiring, Mr. Lujan was highly recommended by his prior educational employer and fully cleared through all regulated and required child abuse and criminal background checks.”
BDLC is cooperating with law enforcement’s investigation, and included in the release that the incident which led to his arrest did not involve any learning center student, and did not occur on any of the learning center campuses.
Lujan was was arrested for oral copulation of a minor under the age of 10, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department news release. Anderson arrested on suspicion of distribution of child pornography and indecent exposure. Lujan and Anderson are free on $55,000 and $35,000 bail, respectively.
ORIGINAL STORY: Men arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse of child under 10
According to Desert Sands Unified School District Spokesperson, Mary Perry, Lujan was also a parent-volunteer at George Washington Charter School in Palm Desert. Perry added that all parent volunteers and teachers go through a full screening process. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation. 
News Channel 3 learned that Lujan was also formerly a part-time employee at College of the Desert. COD spokesperson, Marion Champion, confirmed that Lujan worked at the school from January 2015 through June 2017.
“Prior to employment he (Lujan) passed a full screening and background check, as is standard protocol for all district employees. The health and welfare of children in our care is our greatest responsibility and we will be cooperating fully with local law enforcement as they investigate this case,” read a statement by Champion to News Channel 3.
Public records show Lujan worked at the school’s child development center in 2015 and 2016.
During BDLC’s Monday forum, the center also brought into two speakers, versed in criminal prosecution and social work aspects of sexual abuse cases, to speak with parents. The center is also partnering with the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center to provide resources and training for staff, parents, and children in the coming weeks.
