A retired El Dorado Hills band teacher accused of multiple felony sex crimes involving a minor may soon change his plea in El Dorado County Superior Court, according to recent court updates and published reports.
Paul Varoff, a longtime music educator at Oak Ridge High School, was arrested earlier this year following an investigation by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors allege the offenses involved a victim younger than 18 and occurred over several months in 2023.
Varoff, 64, originally entered not guilty pleas to 10 felony counts, including allegations of oral copulation and sexual penetration involving a minor, according to court records and prior reporting. Prosecutors alleged some incidents occurred at Varoff’s Orangevale home and at his office on the Oak Ridge High School campus in El Dorado Hills.
Court observers now say the retired teacher could change that plea during an upcoming hearing, a move that may signal negotiations between defense attorneys and prosecutors. No formal plea agreement had been publicly announced as of Tuesday afternoon.
The case has drawn widespread attention across El Dorado County because of Varoff’s decades-long presence in local school music programs. Authorities said he taught at Oak Ridge High School for more than 30 years before retiring in 2023, though district officials acknowledged he later returned periodically in a limited support role.
In an earlier public statement, the El Dorado Union High School District said:
“The safety of our students is our highest priority. We are taking these allegations seriously and are working closely with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.”
Investigators previously urged any additional potential victims or witnesses to contact Detective Katz with the sheriff’s office as the investigation remains ongoing.
Varoff has remained in custody without bail during much of the court process. Judges previously cited concerns about public safety and the protection of the alleged victim when denying release.
If Varoff formally changes his plea to guilty or no contest, the case could move directly toward sentencing proceedings, potentially avoiding a lengthy trial.
The matter continues to be closely watched by former students, parents and educators throughout El Dorado County, particularly in the El Dorado Hills community where Varoff spent much of his teaching career.
