A 28-year-old high school coach in Orange County has been arrested after allegations that he contacted minors with the intent to commit sex crimes, authorities announced over the weekend.
Investigators with the Santa Ana Police Department say that on July 14, they received a report from a mother who discovered inappropriate text messages between her daughter, a minor, and her high school track coach Aaron Raya.
In addition to being the head track and field coach, the 28-year-old also coaches football and serves as a substitute teacher at the school, according a SAPD news release.
Authorities say Raya started communicating with the teen through social media about track events during the school year.
“Upon graduation, Raya immediately began contacting her in a sexual manner and attempted to meet with her,” the release noted.
Detectives with SAPD’s Special Crimes Unit assumed the investigation and quickly identified two more minor victims and former students of Godinez, both of whom claimed the 28-year-old had made sexual advances toward them.
Police located Raya at his home in Santa Ana where he was taken into custody and, later, booked into the Orange County Jail for a sex-related charge, authorities said.
His bail was set at $100,000.
It is unclear if the 28-year-old is still working at Godinez High School.
Authorities added that the investigation is ongoing, and they believe there might be additional victims. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Det. M. Thomas at 714-254-8346 or by email at mthomas@santa-ana.org.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Orange County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 855-TIP-OCCS.