O.C. Youth Basketball Coach Suspected of Sexual Abuse of Minors

A former Orange County youth basketball coach was recently arrested over allegations that he had unlawful sex with minors a decade ago.

The coach, Carlos Juarez, 44, of Costa Mesa, was taken into custody by law enforcement outside his home in the 1300 block of Adams Avenue.

Four victims reported sexual incidents involving Juarez to various police departments. The reported incidents occurred in 2009.

According to a statement from the Irvine Police Department, the victims were between 11- and 14-years-old when they were abused. Police said none of the victims knew each other.

Juarez was a basketball coach for a club team and met the victims while they were in elementary school. Police suspect he groomed the victims after he first met them and later committed the crimes.

The following police departments were involved in this case:

  • Costa Mesa Police Department
  • Tustin Police Department
  • Orange County Sheriff’s Department

Investigators believe there are more victims in this case and ask the public to contact Detective John Sanders at 949-724-7233, or jsanders@cityofirvine.org if they have any information on the case.

Juarez was a basketball coach for the Costa Mesa High School girls teams in 2016-17 and 2017-18. According to Samantha Doucette, current coach of the Mustangs, the school had concerns about Juarez’s coaching tactics. Doucette said games had been canceled at the last minute and that he allegedly used derogatory language toward players.

Juarez was also a coach at the following schools:

  • Costa Mesa Middle School
  • Tustin High School
  • Mater Dei High School
  • Aliso Niguel High School

At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, our experienced team of lawyers is here to assist clients who have suffered sexual abuse. We have years of experience handling these types of cases, and we know which legal strategies produce the results for our clients. Let us use our skills and resources to fight for you today.

Call (800) 700-8450 to request a consultation with our legal team. We are here to help you obtain the justice you deserve.