After-School Childcare Aide Accused of Lewd Acts With Minor

A 20-year-old after-school childcare aide with the San Mateo-Foster City School District has been arrested on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a child under 14, San Mateo police said Wednesday.

Eric Michael Renz, 20, of Millbrae, has been booked into San Mateo County Jail, San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

The victim in this case is an elementary school-age female, according to Norris.

San Mateo police received a referral on Oct. 21 about the alleged incident, which occurred in the late afternoon of Oct. 18.

The San Mateo-Foster City School District, upon learning of the incident, immediately removed Renz from any contact with children and provided information to the San Mateo Police Department to assist with the investigation, Norris said. 

The ensuing investigation revealed that Renz befriended the victim during an after school program at Horrall Elementary School. While sitting with the victim Renz allegedly kissed the girl and touched her inappropriately.

Investigations involving victims who are young children are highly sensitive, and require specialized interview skills and techniques. Interviews were conducted with the victim during the week, and Detectives established probable cause for an arrest.

Renz was contacted at his residence in Millbrae on Oct. 25 and arrested without incident. He was subsequently booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of Lewd Acts with a Minor Under 14, and Child Annoyance.

San Mateo Police and the San Mateo-Foster City School District continue to proactively work together to determine if any other children have been impacted by this individual, and to provide safety information to educate parents and children about how children can report to authorities, and protect themselves from such inappropriate behavior.

Anyone with information regarding this case, or who believes that another case may exist with suspect Eric Michael Renz, may contact SMPD Investigations at 650-522-7650.