Simi Valley, CA - A basketball coach affiliated with the Simi Valley Unified School District has been arrested after police say he engaged in sexual misconduct involving two underage girls.
The Simi Valley Police Department announced Thursday that 36-year-old Jabari DeShields, a Simi Valley resident serving as an assistant walk-on basketball coach at a district school, was taken into custody following a mandatory report filed last month.
District Confirms Coach on Leave Amid Investigation
Officials from the Simi Valley Unified School District confirmed DeShields has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. A district spokesperson clarified that DeShields served solely as a walk-on coach and did not have classroom teaching duties.
According to the Ventura County Star, the school where DeShields coached is Simi Valley High School. Authorities stated that both alleged victims are minors whom he met through a local business, not during school hours. One of the girls is currently an SVUSD student, while the other attends a different school.
Child Sex Crime Charges and Ongoing Case Details
DeShields faces five felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a minor aged 14. He was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on Thursday morning, with bail set at $120,000, according to jail records.
Investigators currently believe there are no additional victims, but the Simi Valley Police Department encourages anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Kellyn King at 805-583-6913.
Understanding Legal Options After Coach Abuse
When reports emerge of a coach allegedly engaging in sexual misconduct, families are often left uncertain about what steps to take next. In this discussion, we spoke with experienced California sexual abuse lawyer Jason Amala about the legal pathways available to victims and their families, including how both criminal and civil actions may provide accountability and support.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a case like this arises involving a coach at a public school, what steps can families take to ensure accountability?
Jason Amala, Esq.: Families can file both criminal reports and civil lawsuits. Prosecutors handle the criminal case, but a civil case can target the coach and, in some instances, the institution if negligence is found to have played a role. It’s essential for families to consult with legal counsel promptly, as these cases often hinge on timing and evidence preservation.
Banville: Are schools automatically liable when misconduct occurs off campus?
Amala: Not automatically. Liability depends on whether the school had prior knowledge or should reasonably have known about red flags in the coach’s behavior. Each case needs a careful review of district supervision, hiring practices, and reporting obligations.
Legal Support for Families in Need
Victims and their families do not have to face this alone. Our legal team stands ready to review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss how we can support you through every step of the process.
