A former Orange County girls basketball coach, Carlos Francisco Juarez, has been sentenced to 150 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting four female athletes between the ages of 11 and 17. The 48-year-old coach, originally from Costa Mesa, primarily coached for club basketball teams such as the So Cal Swoosh and O.C. Mustangs. He also worked at Aliso Niguel, Costa Mesa, Mater Dei, and Tustin high schools.
Juarez was found guilty on July 18 of 21 felony counts, including 10 counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14. The Orange County District Attorney’s office stated that Juarez coached each of his four victims between 2005 and 2010. Additional evidence was presented during the trial, including testimony from two other alleged victims, to establish a pattern of targeting, grooming, and attacking young girls.
One victim, who was 11 years old at the time, reported being instructed to practice topless during a private lesson with Juarez in 2005. He is also accused of sexually assaulting the victim after a practice and giving her money. Juarez was convicted of sexually assaulting three more young female players, including a 14-year-old girl during a private basketball lesson in 2008.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the importance of a safe environment in youth sports and commended the bravery of the victims for speaking out. Juarez’s attorney, Kenneth Reed, declined to comment on the conviction but stated that an appeal will be filed.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
