EspañolBahram Hojreh, Well Known Water Polo Coach In Orange County, Sentenced To Prison For Sexually Abusing 9 Teenage Girls
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (January 28, 2023) – An Orange County water polo coach, identified as Bahram Hojreh was sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually assaulting 9 teenage girls.
Orange County prosecutors are saying that the incidents took place from 2012 to 2017. Bahram Hojreh was found guilty by a jury of 22 felony counts including sexual battery and lewd acts upon a child.
He was previously a coach at the International Water Polo Club in Los Alamitos. He also taught a Kennedy High School in La Palma.
The assaults are believed to have taken place during pool training station at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos. The assaults took place underwater.
Multiple victims said that Bahram Hojreh touched their breasts, nipples and digitally penetrated them during coaching sessions.
One lawsuit brought by a dozen female players against USA Water Polo and a California club settled for nearly $14 million in 2021.
Liability For Orange County Student Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse from school faculty in high school is much more prevalent than many people realize. Students in athletic programs can be particularly at risk. 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 that parents should look for that could point to sexual abuse at school.
- Victims of sexual abuse may have a sharp decline in academic performance.
- Victims of sexual abuse may experience recurring nightmares.
- Victims of sexual abuse may develop severe anxiety or panic attacks.
It is illegal for any school employee to have a sexual relationship with a minor. Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, any person that commits a lewd or lascivious act upon a child under 18 is guilty of a crime. This includes touching a child’s body for sexual purposes. The touching does not need to be on bare skin. In many different cases, adults knew or suspected that a coach was having an inappropriate relationship with their students. However, many of these instances of abuse are not properly reported as they should be.
Depending on the facts of any case, a private athletic club or school could be liable for sexual abuse. Schools and other places that invite children have a legal obligation to provide students with a reasonably safe environment. They must enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the well-being of the students in their care. When a school fails to properly supervise children, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. As outlined in Virginia G. v. ABC Unified School District (1993) 15 Cal.App.4th 1848, schools can also be liable for the sexual assault of a student if teachers knew (or should have known) about that teacher’s history of sexual abuse. There are many steps that should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Any school records of the abuser should be examined.
- An investigation should be conducted.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be consulted.
Sexual abuse can be one of the most destructive things that a child can experience. Survivors often suffer from long term psychological trauma. Any person that was sexually abused by a school employee may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Sadly, schools will often fight extremely hard to deny responsibility for the actions of their employees. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Orange County Student Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the victims. Students are told to listen and trust their teachers and coaches. But far too often this trust is abused. It is our sincere hope officials in Orange County will take measures to prevent this from ever happening again.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a coach? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of help we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
