Full Notification

On September 22, 2015, representatives of the Los Banos Unified School District contacted the Department after learning about a potential inappropriate relationship between a high school student and a teacher.

Detectives launched an investigation into the matter and are focusing on allegations of sex crimes that occurred during the 2014/2015 school year involving a high school senior; perpetrated by teacher Gary Bettencourt, 40 and his 21 year old fiancé. No charges have been filed at this point.

School District officials placed Gary Bettencourt on administrative leave after the potential misconduct came to light. The school district has been cooperative and accommodating to detectives as the investigation progresses.

“This case has been a top priority for our Department. We worked closely with the District to immediately ensure the safety of our students and we are working with the assistance of the Merced County District Attorney’s office to present a thorough investigation for prosecution. It is important to stress that this teacher has been removed from the school and I have been assured he will not return throughout the course of this investigation. It is also important to consider that cases like this involve a great deal of investigation and that it will likely take some time, but our commitment to this case is unwavering.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police

On September 25, 2015, Detectives served a search warrant at Bettencourt’s home in Turlock, California. Several more search warrants were served, targeting phone records, social media accounts and personal communication devices.

Detectives are continuing to contact individuals potentially involved in this investigation and are trying to identify other potential victims or witnesses. Anyone with information relevant to this case is urged to contact Detective Eduardo Solis or Sergeant Ivan Mendez at (209) 827-7070, extension “0”.

The investigation is on-going and no other information will be release at this time. Any new developments will be released in an update to this press release as information becomes available.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call (209) 827-7070, ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or contact the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org