Roshan Shah, Math Teacher from Montebello Unified, Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse

Multiple media outlets are reporting that Montebello High School Math Teacher, Roshan Shah, was recently arrested for allegedly sexually abusing at least one of his students. On the heels of his arrest, it also appears that Shah has taken his own life.

Shah was arrested on December 5, 2024 and charged with violation of Cal Penal Code 288(c)(1), also known as Lewd and Lascivious Act(s) with a Child 14 or 15 years old. According to his booking records (see below), Shah was released that same day on $100,000 bail bond. Though the full scope of Shah’s alleged abuse is unknown at this time, the California Legislative Information website contains the following description of the initial charge:

288(c)(1) A person who [willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child], and the victim is a child of 14 or 15 years, and that person is at least 10 years older than the child, is guilty of a public offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for one, two, or three years, or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year. 

According to our sources, including a former Montebello High student, Shah taught Math at the school for approximately 30 years. He was still actively teaching at the school at the time of his arrest.

While numerous sources are covering the story of his abuse and suicide, we’ve learned that some of the reported details are inaccurate, including;

• Career: To the best of our knowledge, Shah was affiliated exclusively with Montebello High School. Some sources have reported that he also coached tennis at Shurr High School, also in Montebello, however this appears to be false.

• Age: Shah was 53 years old at the time of his arrest and death. Some outlets have reported his age as 42.

• Marital Status: Shah was not married, though some news outlets have reported otherwise.

• No Kids of His Own: Shah did not appear to have children of his own despite some reports to the contrary.

In our experience, when serious allegations like this lead to the arrest of a long-time tenured teacher like Shah, it’s not uncommon for there to be multiple victims over the years.

In addition, through prior news reports, it appears the Montebello Unified School District previously has been accused of failing to protect minor students from sexual abuse.

If you or anyone you know suffered abuse by Roshan Shah, or have any further information about this or other abuse allegations within the Montebello Unified School District, we may be able to help. Please contact us.

Documents

Be sure to check out the following documents associated with Shah’s arrest:

1. Montebello Unified School District Announcement, December 9, 2024 [View PDF]

2. Shah’s booking info from the Montebello Police Department [View PDF]

3. Shah’s inmate record from the Los Angeles Inmate Information Center [View PDF]