El Dorado County (Dec 13 2023) – Boyd Holler, a 37-year-old elementary school principal in El Dorado County, has pleaded guilty to two felony charges related to sending sexually explicit messages to an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl on a social media app. The conviction has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about child safety.
Guilty Plea and Conviction:
Boyd Holler entered a guilty plea on Monday for charges of distributing pornography to a minor and contacting a minor for purposes of committing a sexual offense. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office announced the conviction in a Facebook post on Tuesday, detailing the disturbing case.
Former Principal at Pioneer Elementary School:
At the time of his arrest in October, Holler was the principal at Pioneer Elementary School in Somerset. The Pioneer Union School District, comprising two elementary schools and a middle school, has been notified of Holler’s conviction. In response, school district officials promptly communicated with parents through text messages and emails, informing them of the principal’s guilty plea.
Resignation and Termination:
As part of his plea agreement, Holler has resigned from his position at Pioneer Elementary School and is no longer employed by the school district. This development has left the community grappling with the shock and disappointment of the alleged actions of a figure entrusted with the well-being of young students.
Disturbing Online Interaction:
According to prosecutors, in the month leading up to his arrest, Holler engaged in explicit communication with an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl using the Kik social media app. The minor, identified as “J. Doe,” made her age and grade clear, residing in Philadelphia. Despite this, Holler allegedly continued sending explicit photos and videos, expressing a desire to meet and engage in sexual activities.
Sentencing and Maximum Penalty:
Holler is scheduled for sentencing on January 22 in El Dorado Superior Court. Prosecutors have indicated that he will face the maximum sentence of three years and eight months in prison under California law for the charges. The severity of the case highlights the legal consequences awaiting individuals involved in online exploitation of minors.
As the community comes to terms with this distressing revelation, the case underscores the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in both physical and online environments.
VIA El Dorado County District Attorney
PIONEER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL BOYD HOLLER CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE SEX CRIMES AGAINST A CHILD
On December 11, 2023, Pioneer Elementary School Principal Boyd Holler pled guilty to distributing pornography to a minor (PC 288.2) and contacting a minor for purposes of committing a sexual offense (PC 288.2).
During the month preceding his arrest, Holler met – who he believed to be – a twelve-year-old girl on an app called Kik. Holler sought out J. Doe. She quickly told him her age, that she was in 7th grade, and that she lived in Philadelphia. J. Doe also sent Holler multiple photos of herself and was clearly and unequivocally a prepubescent minor. Holler quickly made it clear that she was exactly his type and wanted to meet her to engage in sexual intercourse.
In the coming weeks, from his office at Pioneer Elementary School, from the Pleasant Valley Holiday Market, and from his home in Pollock Pines, Holler engaged in abhorrent communication with J. Doe. Holler sent her pornographic videos, a photo of his penis and a photo of another male’s penis (claiming to be his own), and repeatedly asked her for pornographic photos of herself.
The legislature decides the maximum amount of jail time for any given offense. Holler will serve 3 years and 8 months in state prison for his crimes, which is the maximum sentence under the law that he can receive for the crimes he plead guilty to. Holler, amongst other terms, will also be required to register as a sex offender. The Honorable Vicki Ashworth will sentence Holler on January 22, 2024 at 1330 PM in Department 1 of the El Dorado County Courthouse.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kassie Cardullo and investigated by District Attorney Investigator John Robertson and Special Agent Chris Gecewicz.
