A Sacramento elementary school counselor, Wonyoung Kim, has been at the center of a disturbing case of child sex abuse. Kim, 36, was arrested in February 2025 on 10 counts of child sex abuse with minors under the age of 14, including two counts of child sex abuse with force. The abuse took place during counseling sessions at Charles Peck Elementary School in Carmichael, where Kim worked as a counselor.
Despite the serious charges against him, Kim has been on paid leave with the San Juan Unified School District since the investigation began in September 2024. He has continued to receive a salary of about $70,000 while remaining employed by the district. The shocking allegations against Kim have led to a civil suit being filed in Sacramento Superior Court, with one victim alleging that she was abused by him multiple times while she was 10 and 11 years old.
The lawsuit also claims that school staff failed to take action after the abuses were reported. Kim, who has been in custody since his arrest, is awaiting trial with no option for bail. The case against him has raised concerns about other potential victims, as Kim had access to children through his work at various schools in Southern California and a Sacramento Korean language and cultural school.
The investigation into Kim’s alleged behavior was triggered by an incident involving a minor at Bayside Church in Roseville, where Kim served as a youth group leader. It is believed that there may be additional unreported victims due to Kim’s positions in the community. The criminal trial for Kim is scheduled to begin on April 13.
The disturbing case of Wonyoung Kim has shocked the community and raised questions about child safety in schools. The allegations against him highlight the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicious behavior to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
