EspañolYouth Sports Coach Christopher Flores, Also Known as “Coach Frogg,” Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Student Athlete At STARS Prep Academy in Santa Ana
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA (September 25, 2024) – A 39-year-old youth sports coach at STARS Prep Academy in Santa Ana identified as Christopher Flores was convicted of sexually assaulting a student.
The defendant was also convicted of sexually assaulting a 22-year-old employee at the school. Christopher Flores met both the victims at STARS Prep Academy.
Prosecutors allege that he sexually assaulted the 15-year-old student athlete between January and December of 2021. The sexual assault of the 22-year-old employee allegedly took place at the facility in 2022.
During the trial of Christopher Flores, two additional minor girls took the stand to testify about his sexual misconduct. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October.
Liability For Orange County School Sexual Assaults
Sexual assaults involving school coaches are all too common. According to Psychology Today, “About 10 percent of students will experience educator sexual misconduct by the time they graduate high school. Verbal comments of a sexual nature are the most common form of educator sexual misconduct reported. Most perpetrators are male (89.1 percent) and teachers (63.4 percent) or coaches/gym teachers (19.7 percent).” There are a number of reasons that coaches may pose a unique risk to students.
- Coaches often have direct physical contact with students. This contact can blur boundaries and provide coaches with opportunities to engage in misconduct.
- Coaches typically have extended access and private time with their student athletes.
- Students may develop strong emotional bonds with their coaches. An abusive coach may exploit these emotional bonds.
Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct. As outlined in Virginia G. v. ABC Unified School District (1993) 15 Cal.App.4th 1848, schools can be liable for the sexual assault of a student if teachers knew (or should have known) about that teacher’s history of sexual abuse and failed to act. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of sexual abuse involving a coach.
- A police report of the incident should be created.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
Abuse in a school setting is rarely an isolated incident. In many instances, there are multiple victims. Teachers and coaches are mandated reporters. They are supposed to alert authorities to reasonably suspected instances of misconduct. But far too often, this does not take place. Any person that is sexually abused by a teacher or coach may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Orange County School Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations against Christopher Flores. Investigators should look into the possibility that there may be additional victims. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make STARS Prep Academy a safer place for all students and faculty.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused at STARS Prep Academy? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that perpetrators are held to account for their actions. 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.
