The former superintendent of Shoreline Unified School District, Bob Raines, has been charged with a misdemeanor for molesting a 9-year-old boy—a downgrade from the suspected felony that prompted his arrest on June 8 for lewd acts with a child under the age of 14.
The misdemeanor charge does not require touch; under its definition, words may constitute an annoyance or molestation. The law refers to conduct that is motivated by sexual interest in a child or in children generally, and which could disturb or be observed by a child. The charge comes with up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. If convicted, Mr. Raines would have to register as a sex offender. His arraignment plea is set for Aug. 18.
The criminal complaint states that the alleged behavior took place on or around June 1, the same day the school district reported the allegation. The district has declined to say if the victim was a student. After his arrest, Mr. Raines was released on $50,000. He has denied the allegations.
Brenton Schneider, the spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said investigators do not know of any other incidents involving Mr. Raines, but he encouraged any victims to call detective Lauren Patton at (415) 473.7265.
Mr. Raines, a 67-year-old Petaluma resident, retired at the end of June after a 43-year career in education and five years at Shoreline. Before working in West Marin, he worked as the superintendent and principal of Alexander Valley Elementary in Healdsburg and of Wilson Elementary School in Petaluma. From 1989 to 1991, he served as the principal of Inverness and West Marin Schools.