Soccer Coach Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor

Originally posted at 2:34 p.m. March 27, 2014. Updated with new details.

A soccer coach from Laguna Niguel was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported today.

Deputies arrested Ronnie Gamez, 27, after the parents discovered inappropriate texts on their child’s phone and called deputies, officials said in a news release.

Deputies believe a sexual relationship began in February. The specific acts which led to Wednesday’s arrest allegedly occurred earlier this month, officials said.

Gamez is associated with several Orange County soccer clubs. His Facebook page says he's a head coach with South Slammers FC, a soccer club based in Newport Beach.

“The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional victims,” states the news release. “Gamez’s position as a soccer coach for U11, U13, and U17 girls’ soccer may have provided him access to additional minors who may have been victimized.

Anyone with information regarding possible additional victims or any information they believe may assist in this investigation is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail at (714) 647-7419, or submit an anonymous tip to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.