Counselor released after prostitution allegations

Police have released a 39-year-old Kapolei High School counselor accused of soliciting a minor for prostitution.

No charges were filed Thursday, but the case is still under investigation.

Kendrick Reed Padilla, who has been a school counselor since 2009, was arrested Wednesday afternoon while working at the school on suspicion of street solicitation of a prostitute — a petty misdemeanor offense.

A Department of Education spokesman said the counselor was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday and is not allowed on campus.

Elden Esmeralda, principal of Kapolei High, on Thursday posted a letter on the school’s website saying that the school is cooperating with the police investigation into “an alleged teacher conduct for an off-campus incident.”

Esmeralda said he could not release details of the case because it is a “confidential personnel matter.”

The principal added, “The state Department of Education conducts detailed background checks on all applicants prior to employment.”