Watsonville Police: Youth sports coach arrested for sexually abusing a minor

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV): A track coach was arrested on Tuesday by Watsonville Police after accusations that the suspect allegedly sexually abused a young boy under the of 13.

Watsonville Police arrested 24-year-old Humberto Reyes-Palacios. Investigators said said the sexual abuse happened back in 2022, but it was reported earlier in the month. ​

"We got information and reports from a minor who was sexually abused by the suspect," said Michelle Pulido, Public Information Officer for the City of Watsonville, "We began investigating, and yesterday, we were finally able to arrest the suspect in Capitola, he was arrested early in the morning, and this happened after we served a search warrant at his home here in Watsonville."

Pajaro Valley Unified School District said the suspect was the Track and Field coach at Rolling Hills Middle School from March to May of 2023. And a volunteer Track and Field coach at Pajaro Valley High School in the Spring of 2024.

"We suspect that there are additional victims because of the positions that he has held at different schools, such as Rolling Hills Middle School as well as Pajaro Valley High School," said Pulido.

Watsonville Police said the suspect is facing several charges, including human sex trafficking of a minor, contacting a minor with intent to commit certain felonies, and lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14.

"These are serious charges that the suspect is facing, including up to 15 years in prison." said Pulido.

In a statement, the Superintendent of Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Dr. Heather Contreras said the following regarding the incident.

"We understand that this information is very distressing. We want to emphasize that the safety and
well-being of our students are our utmost priorities, and any behavior that compromises this is
completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our school community."

Pajaro Valley Unified School District said Reyes-Palacios is no longer employed or a volunteer with the district.