EspañolFormer Orange County Basketball Coach Carlos Francisco Juarez Sentenced To Life In Prison For Sexually Assaulting Girls He Coached
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (September 7, 2023) – A former Orange County basketball coach identified as Carlos Francisco Juarez has been sentenced to life in prison for child sexual abuse.
Orange County officials are saying that the defendant was first arrested in April 2019. Girls that he coached testified to numerous forms of sexual abuse. One girl said that she was asked to run topless during private practices.
Another girl said that she was promised more playing time in exchange for engaging in sex acts. The victims of Carlos Francisco Juarez ranged from 11 to 17 years old.
He faced a range of criminal accusations at trial including:
- Ten felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14.
- Seven felony counts of lewd acts upon a child.
- Two felony counts of oral copulation with a minor under the age of 16.
- Two felony counts of sexual penetration by foreign object of a minor.
He worked with numerous basketball teams when the abuse took place including SoCal Swoosh, O.C. Mustangs and several high schools across Orange County.
After Carlos Francisco Juarez was sentenced to life in prison, District Attorney Todd Spitzer issued the following statement. “Youth sports should be a safe environment where neither parents nor athletes should have to worry about children being targeted by a sexual predator. As a result of the bravery of these young victims to speak out, another child molester is behind bars for the rest of his life and will no longer be allowed to prey on innocent children.”
Liability For Sexual Abuse By Coaches
A large portion of children will either be sexually abused or harassed during their K – 12 experience. Coaches, in particular, are involved in a disproportionate amount of the abuse. According to Child Help, “Studies indicate 40% to 50% of athletes have experienced anything from mild harassment to severe abuse. Research suggests that sexual abuse in sports impacts between 2% to 8% of all athletes. 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way.” There are a number of signs parents should look for which can indicate their child is a victim of sexual abuse.
- Victims of sexual abuse may have a sharp decline in academic performance.
- Victims of sexual abuse may develop substance abuse issues.
- Victims of sexual abuse may have recurring nightmares or panic attacks.
- Victims of sexual abuse may fear being alone with certain people.
It is illegal for any school teacher or coach to have a sexual relationship with their minor student. Depending on the specific facts of any case, a school district could be liable for the sexual abuse of a student by a teacher. Schools must protect students from foreseeable sources of harm. Consider, for example, Taylor v. Oakland Scavenger Co., 17 Cal. 2d 594 [110 P.2d 1044], “It is the duty of the school authorities to supervise at all times the conduct of the children on the school grounds and to enforce those rules and regulations necessary to their protection.” There are many steps that should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- Disciplinary records for the assailant should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
By the time any teacher or coach is convicted of sexual abuse, there were likely many red flags that were ignored. Teachers are mandated reporters and are supposed to report any reasonably suspected instance of child sexual abuse. But far too often, people who should speak up don’t say anything. They often fear retaliation. Any person that is sexually abused by an athletic coach may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Orange County School Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all the girls harmed by Carlos Francisco Juarez. This coach was in a position of trust and violated that trust in the worst way possible. It is a great benefit to the community that his person will no longer be able to harm anyone.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a school teacher? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of child sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping abuse victims get justice and holding school districts accountable for their neglect. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
