A Pasadena teacher and youth soccer coach, Justin Yasutake, 39, was arrested at his home by the Arcadia Police Department on charges of possessing child pornography. According to KTLA, Yasutake, who had been actively working with young people for two decades, was taken into custody following an investigation triggered by a tip-off about suspicious social media activity last month.
The investigation began when an individual reported receiving messages that were not only questionable but also contained explicit content focused on underage girls. "In these messages, an unknown subject was inquiring about juvenile girls and sending videos of themselves masturbating to images of juvenile girls," stated the Arcadia Police Department in a news release. These communications led detectives straight to Yasutake, who was then connected to the incident.
Following a search warrant obtained for Yasutake's electronic devices, detectives found numerous videos and images of underage girls in sexually explicit situations. KTLA's report quoted the department explaining that Yasutake may have been "exploiting underage girls during that time." The long-time educator and coach was booked for possession of child sexual abuse material and is currently being held pending charges.
Authorities are deeply concerned that Yasutake might have used his position to take advantage of young girls. As a figure in roles demanding trust and offering access to minors, police are urging anyone with further information to step forward to help identify any potential victims who have yet to come forward. "Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (626) 574-5188," cited ABC7.
Anonymous tips regarding this case can also be submitted through Los Angeles Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or through their website, thus providing a confidential avenue for individuals to share any pertinent information. As with many cases of this nature, the full extent of the impact remains to be seen, and the Arcadia Police Department remains vigilant in its efforts to bring justice and closure to this disturbing situation.
