Shop Tory's Deal of the Day and new items!

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • News

Northern California special education teacher faces allegations of allowing a fight club in his classroom

VIDEO: Teacher arrested for refereeing alleged 'fight club' at school
0:52
KPIX
Teacher arrested for refereeing alleged 'fight club' at school
Google Maps Street View
ByJ. Gabriel Ware
March 15, 2019, 3:39 pm

A California special education teacher is facing multiple charges for allegedly creating and refereeing a "fight club" inside his classroom, according to a statement released by the Cloverdale Police Department.

On March 7, police officials were informed by Cloverdale High School administrators that Federico Vargas was using his classroom to secretly have students fight each other, said Sergeant Chris Parker in a statements released on March 10.

"The fights occurred on multiple occasions over a period of time not yet determined, but isolated to Vargas' classroom," said Sgt. Parker. "Multiple student injuries were reported during the investigation, one of which required medical attention as a result of the fighting."

(MORE: 2 former teachers charged in 'fight club' incident at St. Louis day care center: Police)

One of the fights refereed by Vargas was captured on a student's cellphone, according to the statement.

Authorities say that a special education teacher at Cloverdale High School in Cloverdale, Calif., pictured in an image made from video, allowed "fight club" brawls in his classroom.
KPIX

It's unclear if all the minors involved are special education students, said Jeremy Decker, the Cloverdale School District's superintendent. "But, we haven't completed the investigation yet," said Decker.

Vargas, 41, who taught for the Cloverdale School District for eight years, was arrested on March 9 and charged with 13 counts of contributing to the delinquency of minors and five counts of endangering children, according to the statement.

(MORE: Video captures day care teachers in St. Louis encouraging children to fight)

Authorities say that a special education teacher at Cloverdale High School in Cloverdale, Calif., pictured in an image made from video, allowed "fight club" brawls in his classroom.
KPIX

Vargas is out on bail, Sgt. Parker told ABC News in an email on Thursday.

The police's investigation is still ongoing.

Attempts by ABC News to reach Vargas by phone were unsuccessful. It's unclear if Vargas was assigned an attorney as of Friday.

Up Next in News—

Ruby Franke's husband files for divorce as she faces charges of felony child abuse

November 30, 2023

Final farewell held for Rosalynn Carter: What to know about her kids, grandkids

November 28, 2023

Kroger, Walmart CEOs say Thanksgiving food is cheaper, still time to save and thaw the turkey

November 22, 2023

Court docs show Tuohys paid Michael Oher approximately $138K for 'The Blind Side'

November 10, 2023

Shop Holiday Digital Deals

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News