New Questions Raised About Visalia Unified’s Decision to Rehire DeJaun Jones

A recent FOX26 News investigation is raising new questions about why Visalia Unified School District rehired former campus supervisor DeJaun Jones in 2022, despite previous allegations of inappropriate conduct involving students.

In July 2026, Jones (40) was sentenced to five years in state prison after pleading guilty to 11 felony counts involving the sexual abuse of two students. Taylor & Ring represents survivors in civil matters related to Jones, and attorney Brendan Gilbert spoke with FOX26 News about the district’s decision to rehire him in a position with access to students.

Prior misconduct raised concerns about rehiring

According to Gilbert, Jones previously worked at Mt. Whitney High School before being released by the district in 2013 following allegations that he sent inappropriate text messages to a student-athlete.

Gilbert told FOX26 that Jones later worked at Monache High School, where additional allegations involving inappropriate messages to a student prompted a police investigation.

Although those earlier allegations did not result in criminal charges, Gilbert said Jones’ employment history should have raised serious concerns when Visalia Unified considered rehiring him in 2022.

“He should not have been hired again,” Gilbert told FOX26. The position allowed Jones significant access to students, including the ability to pull students from class and take them to other areas of campus.

FOX26 questions the district’s screening process

FOX26 contacted Visalia Unified and board members who were serving when Jones was rehired to ask how he was allowed to return to the district.

The district provided FOX26 with a statement saying it follows a comprehensive pre-employment screening process that includes legally required fingerprinting and criminal history clearances.

FOX26 then asked whether reports connected to Jones’ previous alleged misconduct had been identified during that screening process. According to the July 28 report, the district had not responded to that specific question.

The report raises an important issue that goes beyond whether a prospective school employee has a criminal record. Prior complaints, employment history and allegations of inappropriate behavior involving students can all provide information about whether someone should be placed in a position of trust around children.

New questions about accountability at Visalia Unified

The latest FOX26 investigation shifts attention to what happened before Jones returned to Mt. Whitney High School, and according to Gilbert, the case raises questions about whether the district adequately reviewed Jones’ employment history before rehiring him in 2022.

Jones has a troubling employment history. Yet, he was still hired as an on-campus supervisor where he could “pull kids out of class whenever he wants,” and “drive kids to remote parts of campus,” Gilbert told FOX26.

For the survivors and their families, the question is not only what Jones did, but whether warning signs could have prevented him from being placed back in a position with direct access to students.

Schools have a responsibility to take concerns about employee misconduct seriously and protect students from foreseeable harm. When institutions ignore warning signs or fail to adequately investigate an employee’s history, the consequences can be devastating.

Taylor & Ring represents survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including students harmed by teachers, coaches, school employees and other trusted adults. If you or your child experienced sexual abuse, contact Taylor & Ring to learn more about your legal rights.