Ex-Covina High Coach Accused of Soliciting Sex with Minor in Undercover Sting

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

COVINA - A now ex-seasonal coach from Covina High School was arrested Thursday, accused of attempting to solicit sex with a teen boy.

Covina Police detectives were called to Superior Grocers, 1375 N. Citrus Ave., at 4:45 p.m. June 20 about a man intending to meet a 14-year-old boy for a sexual encounter … except that teen does not exist: the whole ordeal was a sting, according to the Covina Police Department.

Stephen Cristopher Garcia, 34, a Baldwin Park man, was contacted by Creep Catching Unit, a group started to expose online predators, with the use of a fake social media profile.

Garcia was booked on suspicion of arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Sgt. Keith Sutherland of the Covina Police Department.

A meeting was arranged through text messaging and upon contact the encounter was reportedly streamed live on YouTube, according to the Covina Police Department.

Garcia is described as a former seasonal walk-on coach in the Covina-Valley Unified and is no longer employed by the district.

Garcia was arrested at 6:26 p.m., according to Los Angeles County booking records. He is being held without bail at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.

Covina detectives are attempting to locate any other potential victims.

Any one with information or questions regarding this crime is urged to call Covina Police Sgt. Colburn at 626-384-5612, refer to Covina PD case # 24-13802. Remain anonymous by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or Crime Stoppers.org.

A court appearance is scheduled for Monday, June 24 at West Covina Superior Court.

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