High school coach in Orange County arrested for sex offenses against minors

A 28-year-old high school coach in Orange County was arrested after being accused of contacting minors to commit sex crimes, authorities said over the weekend.

Santa Ana Police investigators said they received a report on July 14 from a mother who discovered inappropriate text messages between her minor daughter and her high school track coach, Aaron Raya.

In addition to his role as head coach of the track and field team, the 28-year-old also works as a football coach and as a substitute teacher at the school, according to a SAPD press release.

According to authorities, Raya began communicating with the teenager on social media about athletics events during the school year.

“After graduating, Raya immediately began contacting her in a sexual manner and attempted to meet with her,” the press release states.

Detectives from the SAPD’s Special Crimes Unit took over the investigation and quickly identified two other underage victims and former students of Godinez, both of whom claimed that the 28-year-old had made sexual advances toward them.

Police found Raya at his Santa Ana home, where he was taken into custody and later booked into the Orange County Jail on a sex offense charge, authorities said.

His bail was set at $100,000.

It is unclear whether the 28-year-old still works at Godinez High School.

Authorities added that the investigation is ongoing and they believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Det. M. Thomas at 714-254-8346 or via email at [email protected].

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Orange County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 855-TIP-OCCS.