Hayward Public Library employee arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse against youth patron on city property

HAYWARD, Calif., Mar. 25, 2022 — The Hayward Police Department announced today the arrest of 58-year-old Robert Spitzel, a Hayward Public Library employee, on suspicion of sexual abuse against a juvenile over an approximately five-year timeframe.

During the investigation it was discovered that the juvenile victim was sexually assaulted more than one time while visiting the Weekes Branch Public Library in South Hayward during normal library hours between the approximate years of 2010-2015.

On Mar. 25, 2022, at approximately 9:57 AM, Spitzel, a Castro Valley resident, was taken into custody and is currently being held on four counts of sexual abuse against a minor. Spitzel does not have any known prior criminal history.

Spitzel has been employed by the City of Hayward since 2002 as a half-time librarian at the Weekes Branch Public Library. Following his arrest, Spitzel was placed on administrative leave, pending the completion of this investigation.

Currently, there is only one identified victim of sexual abuse involving Spitzel.

The City of Hayward, Hayward Public Library and Hayward Police Department are committed to safety and supporting any victims through this process. If you or someone you know may have also been victimized, please immediately contact the Hayward Police Department.

This is an active investigation and further details about this case are still being examined. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective Kawada at 510-293-7176.

Questions related to the hiring and supervision of Spitzel and the operation of the Weekes Branch of Hayward Public Library during his employment will be referred by Library and City representatives to the Hayward Police Department as they are potentially material to the investigation.

Questions about current operations and programming at Hayward Public Library’s Weekes Branch should be directed to Hayward Public Library at (510) 293-8685.

Questions about current City of Hayward hiring practices—including background checks of job applicants—should be directed to the Office of the City Manager at (510) 583-4300.

Due to the fact this investigation is active and ongoing, representatives from the City of Hayward, Hayward Public Library and Hayward Police Department will be available for media inquiries early next week. Date, time, and location of media inquiry availability will be announced at a later time.

The Hayward PD case number is 2022-9240.

Pictured: Booking photograph of Robert Spitzel