Granger teacher faces new rape allegations involving second young boy

A Granger first-grade teacher accused of molesting and photographing a young boy is facing new charges involving a second child.

Stephen J. Castilleja, 27, was out of custody for less than two days when he was picked up May 20 on the new allegations that date back more than a decade.

On Thursday, Deputy Prosecutor Megan Whitmire asked the judge to set bail at $150,000 — the same amount ordered in the first case.

“This is an individual who has surrounded himself with children,” she argued. “We have real concerns about Mr. Castilleja, not only being out in the community, but I can tell your honor I have received a lot of calls (about him).”

Federal agents also are investigating Castilleja for allegedly producing child pornography after police reported finding pictures of naked children during a search of his home.

“It’s certainly anticipated that additional charges will be coming in that (federal) jurisdiction,” Whitmire said.

The boys in the two cases were not students in Castilleja’s class at Roosevelt Elementary School.

He reportedly is on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. Granger School District Superintendent Margarita Lopez could not be reached Thursday for an update on his status.

Castilleja also used to be a full-time staff member with the Prosser branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties. More recently, he was an occasional volunteer.

Brian Ace, executive director, issued a statement saying that the organization “is deeply concerned about these allegations, and will cooperate fully with local law enforcement authorities in a thorough investigation of this case.”

No allegations have been made against Castilleja in connection with the Prosser club, the statement said, but he is not allowed on any club property or to come in contact with club members while under the organization’s care during the investigation.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties has as its primary concern the safety and well-being of the young people it serves,” Ace said in the statement. “The organization does not tolerate illegal or inappropriate activity or behavior on the part of any staff member, volunteer or youth member.”

Castilleja pleaded innocent Thursday to two counts of first-degree rape of a child, and his trial is set for July 18.

Trial is scheduled July 11 on his earlier case for first-degree child molestation and sexual exploitation of a minor.

Lawyer Jim Egan argued that asking for an additional $150,000 bail for the second charge is excessive and “an effort by the state to keep Mr. Castilleja locked up in jail.”

He added that his client has “never been convicted of a crime before and never had any problems.”

Judge Vic VanderSchoor said the purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant will return to court for future hearings, and to protect the community.

“I think when considering these cases as a whole, a total of $170,000 is appropriate. So I will assess $20,000 on this (case),” VanderSchoor ruled.

Castilleja’s parents and other relatives were in Benton County Superior Court on Thursday. His family previously posted his bond and arranged his release again Thursday, less than two hours after the hearing.

Castilleja has been told that he is to have no contact with any children under 18, to stay off the Internet and not to go to places where minors are likely to congregate, including high school graduations.

He can’t travel outside of Benton and Yakima counties, and must be accompanied by at least one of his parents when he leaves the house.

Castilleja was arrested May 12 by investigators with the South-East Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. They were helped by Richland and Kennewick police, Benton County sheriff’s deputies and agents with Homeland Security Investigations.

The national network helps law enforcement and prosecutors investigate people who use the Internet, online communication systems or computer technology to sexually exploit children.

Court documents claim Castilleja disclosed during a search of his home that he had taken pictures of children. Investigators found a video from January 2013 showing a molestation, and Castilleja allegedly confirmed his involvement, documents said.

Further investigation led to the second charges involving the molestation and rape of a different boy several years ago, said Whitmire.

“We’re still in the very preliminary stages of this investigation, but obviously a top priority in all cases involving alleged child exploitation is identifying any possible minor victims,” Brad Bench, special agent in charge with Homeland Security Investigations Seattle, said in a news release.

“We encourage parents or members of the public who have information that may be relevant to this case to contact local law enforcement or reach out to us using ICE’s tip line.”

The tip line, which is staffed around the clock by investigators, is 866-DHS-2-ICE.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Granger teacher faces new rape allegations involving second young boy."