A Los Angeles-based high school soccer coach has been arrested following allegations that he sexually assaulted a minor.
The Westminster Police Department identified the accused coach as Michael Avila, 20, of Norwalk. Police say the alleged assault occurred in February 2026 near the 13500 block of Edwards Street in Westminster.
Avila was arrested in Norwalk on July 28, 2026, and booked into the Orange County Jail. Authorities have not publicly identified the high school where he coached. Police said the corresponding school district has been contacted and is cooperating with the investigation.
Avila has been accused, not convicted. The charges against him remain allegations unless proven in court.
What Charges Does Michael Avila Face?
According to the Westminster Police Department, Avila was arrested on suspicion of:
- Lewd or lascivious acts with a child
- Contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense
- Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor
- Willful cruelty to a child
- Possession of child pornography, also commonly referred to as child sexual abuse material
The investigation began after Westminster police received a report in mid-July concerning an alleged sexual assault involving a minor and an adult male. Detectives subsequently identified Avila as the alleged suspect.
Are Police Searching for Other Possible Survivors?
Yes.
Investigators are asking anyone who believes they may have experienced criminal misconduct involving Avila to contact law enforcement. Police are also requesting information from witnesses or others who may know something relevant to the investigation.
Authorities have emphasized that people should come forward even when they are uncertain whether the information they have is important.
Information can be provided to:
Detective Bruzzi:
(714) 548-3781
Westminster Police Watch Commander:
(714) 548-3767
Orange County Crime Stoppers:
(855) TIP-OCCS
Anonymous reports may be submitted through Orange County Crime Stoppers.
Which Los Angeles High School Employed Michael Avila?
The school has not been publicly identified.
Westminster police described Avila as a soccer coach at a Los Angeles-based high school and confirmed that the relevant school district is cooperating with investigators. No allegations of wrongdoing against the school or district have been publicly announced.
The identity of the school matters. So do the facts surrounding Avila’s hiring, supervision and access to students.
Investigators should determine:
- How long Avila worked with students
- Whether he coached through any additional schools, clubs or private programs
- Whether previous complaints or warning signs were reported
- Whether school officials properly screened and supervised him
- Whether Avila communicated privately with students by text message or social media
- Whether he transported students or met with them away from school
- Whether any employee suspected misconduct and failed to report it
These questions are not answered merely by arresting the alleged perpetrator. Every institution that placed an adult in a position of trust around children must be prepared to explain what it knew, when it knew it and what it did to protect students.
When Can a School Be Held Responsible for Sexual Abuse by a Coach?
A school or school district is not automatically responsible simply because an accused person worked there.
Institutional responsibility depends on the evidence.
A civil investigation may examine whether administrators ignored complaints, missed warning signs, failed to conduct an appropriate background check, inadequately supervised the coach or allowed inappropriate access to students.
California law recognizes that a person or entity that owed a duty of care may potentially be held liable when its wrongful or negligent conduct was a legal cause of childhood sexual assault.
The school involved in this case has not been accused of any such failure. Those questions can only be answered through a complete and independent investigation.
Is a Civil Sexual Abuse Case Different From the Criminal Case?
Yes. A criminal case and a civil case serve different purposes.
The criminal case is brought by the government. Its purpose is to determine whether the accused committed a crime and, if convicted, what punishment should be imposed.
A civil case is brought by a survivor or the survivor’s family. It can seek accountability from the perpetrator and any institution whose failures enabled or contributed to the abuse.
Civil litigation may also uncover evidence that is not initially made public during a criminal investigation, including:
- Internal complaints
- Personnel records
- Background checks
- Emails and text messages
- Supervision policies
- Prior reports of misconduct
- Communications between administrators
- Evidence concerning mandatory reporting
A survivor does not necessarily have to wait for the criminal case to end before learning about potential civil rights. However, every situation is different, and the timing of any legal action should be reviewed carefully.
What Should Families Preserve?
Anyone who had contact with Avila through a school, soccer team, athletic club or private training program should preserve potentially relevant evidence.
Do not delete:
- Text messages
- Direct messages
- Emails
- Photographs or videos
- Team schedules
- Practice calendars
- Transportation records
- Registration documents
- Payment records
- Team rosters
- Communications with school employees or coaches
Families should not conduct their own confrontation or interrogation. Preserve the evidence and allow trained investigators to do their work.
A child should never be pressured to repeatedly describe what happened. Conversations should be handled carefully, privately and with appropriate professional support.
Your Voice Matters
Children and teenagers may not immediately recognize inappropriate conduct as abuse. They may also remain silent because of fear, embarrassment, confusion, loyalty to a team or concern that they will not be believed.
The responsibility belongs entirely to the adult—not the child.
Coming forward can be difficult but you will remain anonymous. It can also protect other children, identify institutional failures and prevent further harm.
Confidential Legal Help for Survivors and Families
Manly, Stewart, Finaldi & Thom represents survivors of sexual abuse involving schools, coaches and youth sports organizations. Our attorneys investigate not only the conduct of the alleged perpetrator, but also the institutions responsible for placing that individual in a position of trust.
If you or your child experienced inappropriate conduct involving Michael Avila through a school, soccer team or athletic program, you may contact our firm for a free and confidential case review.
You may share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
Call Manly, Stewart, Finaldi & Thom at (855) 928-5364.
Our firm exclusively represents survivors of sexual abuse. We never represent alleged perpetrators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael Avila?
Michael Avila is a 20-year-old Norwalk resident whom police identified as a soccer coach at a Los Angeles-based high school. He was arrested on July 28, 2026, following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a minor.
Where did the alleged assault occur?
Westminster police say the alleged conduct occurred in February 2026 near the 13500 block of Edwards Street in Westminster, California.
What school did Michael Avila coach at?
Police have not publicly identified the high school or school district. They have only stated that Avila coached soccer at a Los Angeles-based high school and that the corresponding district is cooperating.
What was Michael Avila charged with?
Police listed alleged offenses involving lewd acts with a child, contacting a minor for a sexual offense, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, child cruelty and possession of child pornography.
Are investigators looking for additional possible survivors?
Yes. Westminster police are asking anyone who believes they may have experienced criminal conduct involving Avila—or who has relevant information—to contact investigators.
Can a school district be sued for abuse committed by a coach?
Potentially. Liability depends on evidence showing whether the institution’s conduct contributed to the abuse, such as negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, ignored warnings or failures to report suspected misconduct.
Can a survivor pursue a civil case if criminal charges are pending?
Potentially. Criminal and civil proceedings are separate. Survivors should speak privately with an experienced sexual abuse attorney about their circumstances, available evidence and applicable filing requirements.
