Santa Barbara County – AYSO Soccer, “the nationally-recognized youth soccer program of choice” as the organization describes itself, enumerates among its core principles those of “good sportsmanship, player development, and positive coaching”, all of which were attributed to Jose Diaz, 42, an 18-year veteran coach by his Santa Ynez young players’ families and freinds…until his arrest on May 6th on sex crime charges.
According to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover, Diaz was taken into custody “for having sexual relations with a teenager when she was 14 and 15 years old.”
In its public response to Diaz’ arrest, AYSO officials reported to the media that they are “dismayed by the recent allegations…and are nonetheless working closely with law enforcement to address the situation.” Upon his arrest, AYSO promptly suspended Diaz—reportedly a highly regarded coach in the Santa Ynez leagues since 2005–from volunteer coaching activities and all privileges appurtenant to that role.
Diaz was transported to Santa Barbara County Jail and booked on charges of annoying or molesting a child and oral copulation with a child, with his bail set at $100,000.
Because of his ongoing and frequent contact with local area youth, SBSD Detectives are asking members of the public with additional information on this case or any other circumstances involving Diaz to contact the Santa Barbara county Sheriff’s Tip Line at (805) 681-4171.
Photo: Courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail Booking
Read more:
Lompoc Record: Youth soccer coach arrested
Santa Ynez Valley News: AYSO coach arrested on suspicion of sex abuse
Noozhawk: Longtime AYSO coach arrested on sex-crime charges
