Key Takeaways

Kelvin Chiu, an assistant athletic trainer at Archbishop Mitty High School, was arrested on October 9, 2026, following allegations of sexual battery involving a 16-year-old student.
Detectives discovered child sexual abuse material on Chiu’s cellphone and believe additional victims may exist.
Survivors of sexual abuse by athletic trainers or other school employees may have civil claims against the school.

Kelvin Chiu, a 31-year-old assistant athletic trainer at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, was arrested on October 9, 2026, after a 16-year-old student reported that an adult male sexually battered her while treating a sports-related injury and recorded it on his cell phone.

Kelvin Chiu Arrested Following Student’s Sexual Assault Allegations

According to an October 14, 2026, SJPD announcement, officers responded on October 8 to a report of sexual battery at a high school.

Later news reports identified the school as Archbishop Mitty High School, a private Catholic prep school.

Detectives obtained search warrants for Chiu, his residence, and his vehicles. They arrested Chiu the following day in Fremont, California.

According to the San José Police Department (SJPD), investigators discovered child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Chiu’s device during the investigation.

According to SJPD, “The suspect was later transported and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for crimes related to annoying or molest of a minor, production and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and sexual battery. The school administration was notified and is fully cooperating with the investigation.”

SJPD stated that detectives believe there may be additional victims due to Chiu’s position of trust.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Camarillo at 4576@sanjoseca.gov, Detective Widmer at 4581@sanjoseca.gov, or call 408-277-3214.

Archbishop Mitty High School Responds to Arrest

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “Archbishop Mitty High officials directed questions to the Diocese of San Jose, which oversees the high school along with other Catholic schools in the South Bay. Diocese Director of Communications Cynthia Shaw said the school had not received any prior complaints about Chiu, and he was immediately placed on administrative leave.”

According to NBC Bay Area, Shaw said that Chiu had worked at Archbishop Mitty High School since May 2025.

In her statement, Shaw expressed the Diocese’s concern for the student, her family, and the broader school community, noting that school counseling services would be available to students needing support.

Shaw encouraged anyone who experienced inappropriate conduct at diocesan schools, parishes, or ministries to report it first to law enforcement and then to the diocesan Office for the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults.

Who Is Kelvin Chiu?

Before joining Archbishop Mitty, Chiu worked at San Francisco State University as an Assistant Athletic Trainer since at least 2021.

Chiu reportedly previously earned a Master of Science from California Baptist University, where he also worked as a student athletic trainer.

According to the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer public registry, Chiu holds athletic trainer certification number 2000042549. As of October 27, 2026, his status is listed as “Certified,” with an expiration date of January 31, 2028.

Could Archbishop Mitty High School Be Held Legally Responsible?

Founded in 1964, Archbishop Mitty High School is a private Catholic college-preparatory school in San Jose, California. The school emphasizes values of service, peace, and justice, and promotes the academic, personal, and spiritual development of its students.

Families who entrust their children to a school, particularly one that emphasizes these commitments, reasonably expect a safe environment where student-athletes are protected from harm.

Although diocesan officials stated that the school had not received any prior complaints about Chiu, this does not necessarily resolve questions about the adequacy of its hiring, supervision, or student protection practices.

While criminal proceedings will focus on Chiu’s alleged conduct, a separate civil investigation could examine whether Archbishop Mitty High School, the Diocese of San Jose, or another institution bears legal responsibility.

A civil investigation could examine:

Whether Chiu underwent appropriate background screening before being hired;
Whether the school maintained and enforced adequate student safety and sexual abuse prevention policies;
What policies and safeguards governed one-on-one interactions between athletic trainers and students;
Whether school administrators were aware of any warning signs or concerns involving Chiu’s conduct.

Whether an institution could be held liable would depend on the specific facts, applicable California law, and evidence concerning its actions or omissions.

Civil Legal Options for Survivors of School Sexual Abuse

Students should be able to receive athletic training, injury treatment, and rehabilitation without fear of sexual assault.

Survivors of school sexual abuse may have civil legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, potential claims may involve negligent hiring, supervision, retention, or failures to respond appropriately to warning signs.

Civil lawsuits can provide survivors with an opportunity to seek compensation for the abuse they suffered. Civil litigation can also help hold institutions accountable, encourage stronger safety policies and oversight, and promote meaningful protections for future students.

Andreozzi + Foote Is Investigating

When child sexual abuse allegations arise within a school community, families often have questions about their legal rights.

The attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote are nationally recognized for representing survivors of sexual abuse and holding institutions accountable. Our firm has extensive experience litigating cases against schools and other youth-serving organizations across the country.

If you or your child were sexually assaulted by Kelvin Chiu, or another athletic trainer, teacher, or adult in a position of trust, you can contact our team for a free, confidential case evaluation.

We are here to listen and to help you understand your options.

📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law

Image sources: Archbishop Mitty High School, via www.homes.com. Kelvin Chiu, courtesy of the San Jose Police Department.