Nicholas Piazza, a 20-year-old swim instructor who has been sentenced to eight years in prison for molesting three of his underage students.
The ordeal began in July 2021 when a concerned parent reported to authorities that Piazza had touched their 8-year-old child inappropriately during a swim lesson. After prosecution ensued, Piazza was released on strict orders not to work with minors. Yet, it was unveiled by the San Diego County District Attorney's office that he not only transgressed the court's mandate but proceeded to further molest two more children in 2022—a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old, according to District Attorney Summer Stephan.
“This defendant violated the trust placed in him by the parents of the victims in the worst way possible and caused harm and trauma to his victims with his lascivious crimes,” DA Stephan said in a statement. “Today, a measure of justice was handed down for the victims, their families, and the community affected by this disturbing crime.”
Piazza pleaded guilty to one felony count of a lewd or lascivious act against a minor under the age of 14 and two misdemeanor counts of annoying or molesting a child. As a consequence of his plea, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
In an article published by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, authorities called on the public to aid in identifying any additional victims of Piazza's indiscretions. Those who believe their child was coached by Piazza and could have been a victim are urged to contact the Sheriff's Child Abuse Unit at (858) 285-6293 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
