The Long Beach community has been shaken as a local high school coach faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor. Gabriel Vigil, a 34-year-old baseball coach and substitute teacher at Cabrillo High School, was charged with various sex crimes, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. These charges include sexual penetration of a person under 18, unlawful sexual intercourse, oral copulation of a person under 18, contacting a minor for a sexual offense, distributing or showing pornography to a minor, and meeting a minor for lewd purposes.
Following an investigation by Long Beach Police Department's Child and Elder Abuse detectives, Vigil was arrested at his home. According to reports by Hoodline, the allegations involve an incident with an female high school student that occurred off-campus. The student was a part of the community that Vigil was positioned to serve and protect.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman was clear about the stance of his office on the matter, stating, "Sex predators who exploit their position of trust in a school setting and target minors should know that my office will work with law enforcement to find you, arrest you, and hold you fully accountable." Vigil pleaded not guilty to all charges, with the court setting his bail at $250,000, an increase from the originally reported $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 4, per the District Attorney's announcement.
As the hunt for justice ensues, authorities are concerned there might be additional victims who have yet to come forward. In a statement obtained by Hoodline, the Long Beach Police Department encourages "anyone with information or who may have been affected to come forward." Detective Jared Asato can be reached for reporting incidents, or tips can be provided anonymously through "LA Crime Stoppers." With increasing attention on the case, the community awaits further developments and stands by the victim(s) as the legal process unfolds.
