When Trust Is Broken: A Riverside Coach and the Dangers of Social Media Grooming.
By Paul Miranda, Retired Police Detective | Owner, 4 Star Private Investigations
As a former detective with the Riverside Police Department, I’ve worked countless cases involving educator misconduct, digital exploitation, and child victimization. One case that recently captured public attention involved a high school football coach in Riverside who was arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual conduct with a student and contacting others via social media.
According to reports, the coach used social media platforms to build rapport with students—eventually sharing explicit messages and initiating physical contact with one of them. The communication reportedly began with casual messaging and slowly escalated inappropriately. It’s a textbook example of grooming—a tactic predators often use to manipulate boundaries and gain trust before committing an offense.
The Pattern Behind the Behavior
What may look like harmless interactions at first—likes, friendly DMs, inside jokes—can easily turn into something far more dangerous when left unchecked. In my experience investigating cases like this, common red flags include:
Unmonitored communication between school staff and students
Teachers or coaches favoring or isolating certain students
Sudden behavioral changes in the student, secrecy, or withdrawal
These cases are difficult not just because of the crime—but because they involve a breach of trust from someone in a position of authority and influence.
My Role in These Cases
As a Police Detective, I specialized in crimes involving children, educators, and online exploitation. I’ve interviewed victims, interrogated offenders, and worked alongside school districts and prosecutors to build airtight cases. Today, as a licensed private investigator, I offer those same skills to clients who need truth, discretion, and action.
Who I Help Now
Whether you're a:
Parent concerned about a teacher or coach's behavior
School official navigating a sensitive situation internally
Attorney building a civil or criminal case involving staff misconduct
…I provide confidential, professional investigative services tailored to your needs.
