Officials with Big Picture Educational Academy in Fresno have filed a police report after city council candidate Rene Campos, who is also a registered sex offender, spoke at a press conference near the campus.
The controversial press conference took place outside at Saint John’s Cathedral on Friday at 5 p.m. The church is across the street from the school.
At the time, Campos was asked whether he could get in trouble for his presence near the school.
“I would say, during operational hours, absolutely. I believe they are closed right now. I don’t see anyone,” Campos replied.
But the school says children were present because it holds an after-school program every day until 6 p.m.
In addition to filing a police report, the school has sent Campos a cease and desist letter.
Campos sent the following statement to YourCentralValley.com:
I selected the church location in advance and made clear that the church was the intended focus. I remained on church property at all times, did not enter school grounds, and did not interact with students.
Any camera framing or angle adjustments were independent editorial decisions. I did not request or direct the school to be included in any visual. At no point did I reference the school by name or use it in any campaign material.
My presence in a public setting did not violate California Penal Code § 290 or any other applicable statute. There was no unlawful conduct and no legal basis for the allegation.