Special Education Paraprofessional Arrested on Six Felony Counts in Stanislaus County

A 25-year-old paraprofessional with Modesto City Schools has been arrested following an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct with a student. Rian Johnston, who worked primarily with special education students at Gregori High School, was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on Friday facing six felony charges of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 18.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation after receiving reports around 8:30 p.m. about a school official involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student. During the probe, detectives determined that the first reported incident occurred in November 2025. The specifics of the allegations remain under investigation as authorities work to establish whether additional victims or evidence exist.

What makes this case particularly concerning is Johnston’s role working with special education students—a vulnerable population who may face additional barriers in reporting misconduct or being believed. School districts carry an enormous responsibility to protect students in their care, and allegations of this nature strike at the heart of that trust. Parents and community members in the Modesto area are rightfully paying close attention to how both the sheriff’s office and the school district respond.

The investigation is actively ongoing. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Rushing at 209-305-1950. Tipsters can also reach Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers at 1-866-602-7463 or visit stancrimetips.org. The fact that authorities are specifically asking the public for additional information suggests they believe there may be other victims or evidence yet to surface—a sobering reminder that these cases often involve patterns of behavior rather than isolated incidents.

For now, Johnston remains in custody, and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office continues building its case. The coming weeks will likely bring more details about the scope and nature of the allegations, and how the school district plans to strengthen safeguards moving forward.