On January 24, 2025 at approximately 11:15 AM, one of Mayfair's security personnel, Franklin Canales, was arrested by the Lakewood Sheriff's Department (LASD). According to the Los Angeles Sheriff Department's Inmate Information Center, he is charged with a misdemeanor and is currently held at the Lakewood Station, awaiting trial for his court date on January 28 at the Bellflower Courthouse. LASD Booking Log shows that Canales has been charged with child annoyance/molestation as of January 24, 2025.
According to Transparent California, Canales began working for the Bellflower Unified School District as a walk-on coach beginning in 2021, where he worked at Bellflower High School. Canales would later begin working as security personnel at Mayfair High School where he would later be arrested.
The Bellflower Unified School District sent an email on January 24 at 2:10 PM to staff, parents and students that they will not be giving out information regarding the case, stating, “Due to the sensitive nature of this issue and to protect the privacy of those involved, Bellflower Unified is unable to provide any further details at this time.”
Many have taken to social media in response to the arrest. On Instagram, users have created various pages to express opinions and memes regarding Canales and his arrest. A Post was also made to the Bellflower Community Awareness & Crime Prevention page on Facebook asking for more information.
UPDATE: According to the LASD Inmate Information Center, former employee Canales has been released from custody on January 28, 2025 at 12:38 PM. Additionally, his arrest was deemed as a detention. According to his recent Instagram post, Canales claimed he was deemed innocent. His post was also made to extend his gratitude to the people and God who have helped him. Franklin Canales did not immediately respond to The Windjammer's request for comment.
This post may be edited as more information is made available.