EspañolAnthony Alcala (Full Name: Anthony Oscar Alcala), Who Taught Wrestling at El Modena High School in Orange and Foothill High School in Santa Ana, Arrested for Alleged Sexual Relationship With Two Underage Girls
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA (April 17, 2025) – An Orange County wrestling coach identified as Anthony Alcala Was arrested on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with two underage girls.
Orange County investigators are saying that the defendant was arrested last week and booked into jail on multiple felony charges. The incidents involving Anthony Alcala allegedly took place between 2017 and 2023.
He was working as a coach at El Modena High School in Orange and Foothill High School in Santa Ana during that time. Both of the victims are saying that they were groomed and had a sexual relationship with him during this period.
Anthony Alcala also worked at a private wrestling club in Placentia. Authorities are concerned about the possibility that there may be additional victims.
Any person who may have more information should reach out to detectives in Orange County.
Liability for Sexual Abuse in Orange County Schools
A large portion of the sexual abuse that takes place in schools involves teachers and coaches. According to one study in CIHR IRSC, “When considering all adolescents who experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime (10.2%), it appears that 5.3% of them were victims of sexual abuse by a coach.” Much of the abuse that takes place never gets reported or investigated. There are several dynamics that can contribute to sexual abuse involving athletic coaches in a school setting.
- Power Dynamics: Coaches have a position of authority and trust with their athletes. They are often subject to less oversight than teachers.
- Isolation: Coaches are frequently isolated with students in a number of different settings. This can include locker rooms and practices that take place before and after school. Many coaches have one-on-one training sessions with students.
- Hiring Practices: Many schools rely on part-time or volunteer coaches. They may not be subject to the same background checks and vetting as full-time employees.
Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting students from sexual misconduct at the hands of teachers. School officials must properly supervise students at all times of the day and during officially sanctioned school events. If school officials fail to adequately supervise students who are sexually abused, this could form the basis of a civil claim.
School districts could be held liable when they fail to properly protect students from sexual abuse. Consider, for example, Alex Harrison v. Tamalpais Union High School District. A former student at the school alleged that his tennis coach sexually abused him. The tennis coach was convicted of 60 counts of sexual abuse. School district employees allegedly ignored prior allegations against the perpetrator and allowed him to continue to have access to students. Schools should take several measures to prevent sexual abuse.
- Reporting: Schools should establish clear reporting channels when teachers become aware of misconduct.
- Policies: School districts should develop and enforce policies that prohibit sexual harassment and misconduct.
- Training: School employees should be trained to recognize grooming and other behaviors that typically precede sexual abuse.
By the time any school official is arrested for sexual abuse, there are often numerous red flags that were missed. Part of the problem is that school employees feel guilty about reporting against their colleagues. They may not want to be responsible for “ruining someone’s life.” This can lead to an environment where clear signs of abuse go unchecked and unreported. Victims of sexual abuse in a school setting may be able to hold a school district accountable through a civil claim.
Investigating Orange County School Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were very concerned to hear about the allegations against Anthony Alcala. Any person who may have more information about the allegations should reach out to Orange County investigators. It is deeply concerning that someone accused of these crimes spent so many years teaching children. The school district needs to do more to protect the students in their care.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed by an Orange County coach? You may have legal recourse. Our team of attorneys is here to help. We are committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse and holding school districts accountable for their negligent actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we will do everything in our power to assist you. You can contact our office anytime at 626-799-9375.
