By Jim Emerson
BERKELEY, CA — A former teacher arrested last month faces charges for allegedly committing
sex crimes involving students.
Jason L. Hoopes, 49, of El Cerrito, is being held in custody in lieu of $495,000 bond at Alameda County Santa Jail.
Hoopes formerly taught at Bayhill High School, a private school in Berkeley for students with
learning disabilities.
Suspicions aroused concerning his interactions with a student in May prompted an investigation.
The school reported Hoopes to Berkeley police, after receiving information about
inappropriate communication with a student.
Hoopes was subsequently fired by the school.
“Concerns were raised by those close to the victim and the victim’s family,” Berkeley police
said in a prepared statement.
An investigation was launched after Hoopes allegedly arranged a sex meeting with a student.
The victim and victim’s family cooperated with Berkeley police and detectives, which led to
wider invesigation. Hoopes was placed under arrest on May 28.
Charges were filed against Hoopes for allegedly making arrangements for sexual meetings with students in March, April
and May.
Multiple charges filed against Hoopes include unlawful intercourse, and oral copulation with a
person under age 18. He faces additional charges related to being a person in a position of
trust with vulnerable victims.
Hoopes previously taught music to home-schooled students, and worked as a subsitute
teacher in the San Francisco Bay area. The investigation of Hoopes is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this case or other potential victims can call Berkeley police at 510-981-5735.
