IRVINE — An Irvine middle school teacher accused of engaging in a sexually charged conversation with someone he thought was an underage teen was behind bars Monday.
Eric Reid Zuercher, 44, of Irvine, was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempting to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to the Irvine Police Department.
A group that works to expose sexual predators online called police alleging Zuercher was in contact with an adult posing as a 14-year-old boy Sunday evening, police said. Zuercher allegedly asked the fictional boy if he wanted to meet, police said.
The group confronted Zuercher at his home before calling police. Police later obtained a warrant and arrested Zuercher at his home, police said.
Zuercher, who teaches at Sierra Vista Middle School, has been placed on administrative leave.
He is not permitted to contact any Irvine Unified School District students, the district said in a statement.
Irvine police have “informed us that there is no indication that IUSD students are involved at this time,” the district said.
Anyone who might have relevant information for investigators was asked to call Detective Brian Felling at 949-724-7189 or to email him at bfellingcityofirvine.org
