EspañolWest Covina Gymnastics Coach Jose Barraza (Full Name: Jose De Jesus Barraza) Arrested For Allegedly Committing Lewd Acts With Children
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA (August 5, 2023) – A West Covina gymnastics coach identified as Jose Barraza was arrested for allegedly committing lewd acts with children.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the suspect was arrested on Friday. A United States Marshal Taskforce Team in Jurupa Valley arrested Jose Barraza around 10:30 a.m. on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with children under 14.
The West Covina Police Department has not revealed specifics about the allegations. It was also not clear how many victims there might be.
Jose Barraza is currently being held on a $900,000 bail. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sexual Abuse By Gymnastics Coaches
Child sexual abuse at the hands of school teachers and coaches is unfortunately very common. This is particularly true within the world of competitive gymnastics. An IndyStar-USA TODAY Network reviewed hundreds of police files and court cases to better understand the full scope of the problem. According to them, “At least 368 gymnasts have alleged some form of sexual abuse at the hands of their coaches, gym owners and other adults working in gymnastics. That’s a rate of one every 20 days. And it’s likely an undercount.” There are a number of reasons that kids can be particularly vulnerable in gymnastics.
- Children in gymnastics tend to be isolated from teachers and other adults aside from their coach.
- Gymnastics teachers often have to put their hands on kids during their routines.
- Gymnastics teachers spend a lot of time with their students and often form close bonds with them.
It is illegal for gymnastics teachers to have any type of sexual relationship with minor students. Under California Penal Code 288(a), “a person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act, including any of the acts constituting other crimes provided for in Part 1, upon or with the body, or any part or member thereof, of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child, is guilty of a felony.” A teacher could also be guilty of a crime if they failed to report reasonably suspected instances of sexual abuse.
Depending on the facts of any case, a school could be liable if a student in their care is sexually abused by a gymnastics coach. Schools have a legal responsibility to properly monitor the students in their care and to enforce all rules necessary for their protection. Coaches and teachers should be thoroughly vetted before they are hired. If a school knew (or should have known) about a coaches history of sexual abuse and failed to act, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse by a coach.
- A police report of the incident should be made.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- School records related to the coach should be examined.
- An experienced child sexual abuse attorney should be consulted.
When a teacher or coach is arrested for sexual abuse, there were likely numerous victims. There were probably also dozens of red flags that school officials should have picked up on. The family of any child that is sexually abused by a school employee may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Sadly, though, school officials will often fight hard to deny liability for any instance of sexual abuse. This is why it is so important that all evidence related to the incident is preserved.
Investigating Sexual Abuse Involving West Covina Gymnastics Coaches
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the children and families who may have been harmed by the actions of Jose De Jesus Barraza. Any person that may have more information should reach out to the West Covina Police Department. There needs to be some accountability for what happened. People who prey upon the innocence of children have no business being employed by our school districts.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a gymnastics coach? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of child sexual abuse attorneys are determined to hold sexual abusers and their enablers accountable. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
