Tolleson Union High School District

9801 West Van Buren StreetTolleson, Arizona 85353

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(623) 478-4000

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Published – November 4, 2024

An educator in Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) was arrested for allegedly trying to meet up with a minor to have sex.

On October 30, 2024, ABC15 Arizona reported, “A West Point High School teacher has been arrested and accused of trying to solicit sex from an underage girl. Court paperwork shows 28-year-old Domenik Brewer was taken into custody after setting up a meeting with who he thought was an underage girl.”

The article reveals that Brewer was nabbed in a sting operation where Avondale police posted a photo of a 15-year-old on a child sex trafficking website. After receiving a text message from Brewer showing interest in the girl, the source said their ages, price, and meeting location were exchanged.

Brewer was arrested on location and, during his interrogation, disclosed that he coached for the Phoenix Suns youth basketball team and worked as a permanent substitute teacher at the high school. The source did not disclose Brewer’s employment status but said his access to TUHSD property was revoked.

In other news, an administrator and board member in TUHSD were engaged in an inappropriate relationship despite one claiming to be a victim of sexual harassment. On September 24, 12 News said:

“Superintendent Jeremy Calles filed a harassment complaint against Board President Elda Luna-Najera last month that accused the public official of making unwanted advances toward Calles. During a meeting on September 23, the school board announced the findings of its investigation into the allegations and concluded that Calles and Luna-Najera had been involved in a sexual relationship.”

Although Calles initially rejected Luna-Najera’s advances, the source said the relationship was mutual and no encounters reportedly occurred on school grounds. Luna-Najera was reprimanded by the board for engaging in the affair while holding a power position over Calles.

As of publication, Calles still serves as the superintendent of TUHSD. Although Luna-Najera was voted out of the board president position, she remains an active voting member.

Another scandal surfaced in August 2024 after TUHSD was accused of misusing district funds. During a summer retreat, board members reportedly used public money to lodge in a four-star luxury hotel. Note that board retreats are typically held at district administration offices free of charge.

The board members also engaged in discussion about the district behind closed doors which is a violation of Open Meeting Laws. A live report from Arizona’s Family can be viewed below.