Volleyball Coach Arrested, May be More Victims

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives arrested 29-year-old Juan Herrera, a high school volleyball coach, who has been charged with trying to seduce students. Detectives believe that there may be other victims.

Detectives from the Sexually Exploited Child Unit (SECU) arrested Mr. Herrera on June 27, 2006 at his residence in Studio City, after completing an investigation into allegations that he touched a 16-year-old volleyball player in a sexual manner and showed her sexual materials. A 15-year-old student reported that Herrera showed her adult pornography and attempted to expose himself to her.

Herrera coached for the girls’ volleyball team at Polytechnic High School since last Fall. Prior to that, Herrera coached the 2004-2005 girls’ volleyball season at Granada Hills High School. Herrera was also a volunteer coach at Taft High School for the 2003-2004 season.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed two felony counts of Sending/Exhibiting Harmful Matter with Intent to Seduce a minor and three additional misdemeanor charges.

The crimes occurred at various locations including his Studio City apartment; the Rumba Room, a nightclub at Universal Citywalk where he worked as a bartender; and in the North Hollywood area. None of the crimes occurred on school property.

Anyone with information or additional victims is asked to call Detective Kathie McCarthy at 213-485-2883. On weekends and off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).