Los Angeles Area Soccer Coach Arrested for Child Molestation NR11296

***UPDATED***

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Detectives have arrested a soccer coach on multiple charges of Child Molestation, and believe there may be more victims.

On June 27, 2011, 42-year-old Jose Duarte was arrested in the mid-City area for Child Molestation.

The investigation began on June 26, 2011 when a 13-year-old victim came forward and said he had been sexually assaulted by his soccer coach. The crime allegedly occurred at the suspect’s home and the suspect was identified as Duarte.

During the subsequent investigation the LAPD Operations-West Bureau Sexual Assault Detail located two additional victims whom Duarte also coached and abused.

On June 29, 2011, Jose Duarte was arraigned by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on 15 felony counts of child molestation.  Duarte is in custody and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at a later date.  His bail is set at $2.26 million.

Duarte has worked as a soccer coach for a Team called USA, who practiced and played at Macarthur Park (6th Street/ Alvarado) and at Vista Hermosa Park, located in the area Glendale and Beaudry, as well as the Gilbert Lindsey Recreation Center at 42nd and San Pedro.  In addition, Duarte assisted in transporting kids to Webster Middle School for soccer practice.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the LAPD Operations-West Bureau Sexual Assault Detail at (213) 473-0447. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.