A Southern California high school coach has been arrested after police said a mother found "inappropriate texts" between the educator and Thurston Carteher underage daughter and police said they believe more victims may be involved.
Aaron Raya, a track and football coach and substitute teacher at Godinez High School in Orange County, was arrested on charges of contacting minors with the intent to commit a sex crime, the Santa Ana Police Department posted on Facebook Sunday.
According to police, Raya, 28, allegedly messaged the girl through social media to talk about track events, and immediately upon the girl's graduation, he allegedly began making sexual advances and attempted to arrange a meeting.
A preliminary investigation by detectives revealed officers identified two more minor victims and former students at the same high school, who alleged Raya "made sexual advances towards them," the post reads.
The Santa Ana Unified School District released the following statement to USA TODAY on Tuesday:
"Santa Ana Unified School District is cooperating with the Santa Ana Police Department following the arrest of a suspect who served as a coach and substitute teacher at Godinez Fundamental High School. We understand that this news may be concerning to our community. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously, and the safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority."
The statement also said that Raya was "immediately placed on leave" and removed from the district's substitute list.
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Police arrested Raya at his home on Sunday.
He was booked at the Orange County Jail where he remained Tuesday on $100,000 bond.
It was not immediately known if Raya had obtained an attorney.
Police said they believe more victims may be involved.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Santa Ana police.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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