DA: Former Salinas soccer coach faces life in prison for allegedly molesting seven victims
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE Dec. 8, 2022, at 3:59 p.m.- A former North Salinas High School and La Paz Middle School soccer coach faces the maximum of life in prison after a second complaint against him alleges he molested additional victims, according to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office.
Julio Cesar Gonzalez Garcia, 35, is now facing 34 charges for sexually assaulting minors. The new complaint brings the total number of victims to seven.
The complaint alleges that Garcia asked Jane Doe 2 via social media for sex in exchange for a spot on the soccer team. If found guilty, he faces life in prison, according to the district attorney's office.
Garcia is next scheduled for court on Dec. 16 for a setting hearing.
DA: North Salinas High and La Paz soccer coach pleds not guilty for allegedly molesting two girls
UPDATE Oct. 31, 2022, at 4:59 p.m.- A former Salinas soccer coach has been arraigned on ten child molestation charges Monday in court, according to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office.
Julio Cesar Gonzalez Garcia, 35, was arrested for several crimes against two female victims, alleged a court complaint. Gonzalez Garcia pled not guilty to all charges.
The judge set his bail at $50,000 and is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 9 and 10 for preliminary examination hearings.
POLICE: North Salinas High and La Paz soccer coach arrested for alleged inappropriate conduct with minors
An off-campus soccer coach who has been with the schools since 2018 was arrested Wednesday for inappropriate conduct with several victims, according to Salinas Police and school officials.
Julio Cesar Gonzales Garcia, 35, was arrested and charged with six felony charges, including false imprisonment, lewd acts with a child and annoying/molesting a victim under 18, according to Salinas Police. Several victims came forward and told officers of the abuse they suffered at the hands of Garcia.
Police said they are trying to determine if there are more victims.
North Salinas High School and La Paz Middle School sent out the following statement:
Our staff is shocked and saddened to learn about the disturbing allegations against an off-campus walk on coach. This coach is not a teacher or staff member at any of our school sites, but has been a soccer coach at North Salinas High School and La Paz Middle School since 2018. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing Salinas Police Department investigation. As the investigation moves forward we will take the appropriate disciplinary actions.
The safety and security of our students is a priority. Thus, once we were notified of the allegations we immediately launched an investigation, placed the coach on administrative leave and directed them to have no contact with any Salinas Union High School District student.
The district and the school sites cannot comment further regarding an ongoing investigation. However, our faculty and staff are ready to support the Viking community in dealing with the emotional impact of this situation.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we work through these unsettling circumstances.
North Salinas High School and La Paz Middle School
Anyone with further information is encouraged to call Detective Yolanda Rocha at 831-758-7124.
