Millbrae educator arrested on suspicion of molesting students

MILLBRAE — A Millbrae middle school teacher has been arrested on suspicion of molesting students, authorities said.

In a statement Thursday, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said it received a report in late February that a student had been sexually assaulted by a sixth-grade teacher at Taylor Middle School.

An investigation revealed one student was molested between November 2021 and March 2022, the sheriff’s office said.

In addition, detectives learned of several juveniles who also claimed to have been touched inappropriately over their clothing by the teacher between 2007 and 2022.

The teacher was placed on administrative leave after the allegations surfaced, the sheriff’s office said.

On Thursday, detectives arrested the teacher, identified as 54-year-old Matthew Garrett, at his home in San Francisco. The sheriff’s office said he was booked into San Mateo County Jail on 10 counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14.

Garrett’s bail was set at $5 million. He remained in custody Thursday, according to online jail records.

The investigation is continuing, the sheriff’s office said, adding that detectives believe other victims and witnesses have yet to be identified.

“What this suspect is alleged to have done to students in his care is abhorrent and flies in the face of everything good, selfless teachers stand for,” Sheriff Christina Corpus said.

Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective Homing Cheung at 650-599-1546 or the sheriff’s office anonymous tip line at 800-547-2700.