A basketball coach from a Simi Valley high school has found himself on the wrong side of the law, facing allegations of sexual abuse involving two underage girls. Jabari DeShields, 36, was taken into custody and charged with five felony counts of lewd acts upon a minor aged 14. According to the KTLA, the Simi Valley Police Department was alerted to the situation by a mandated reporter last month.
The report indicates that DeShields met the victims at a local business not associated with his coaching duties within the SVUSD, and as an assistant walk-on basketball coach, DeShields had no classroom responsibilities. Currently, one of the alleged victims is an SVUSD student; however, they did not attend the same school where DeShields coached. The Simi Valley Police have encouraged anyone with further information to contact Detective Kellyn King at 805-583-6913. DeShields is being held at the Ventura County Main Jail, his bail set at $120,000.
Further details provided by Nixle say that the investigation was conducted by the Major Crimes Unit of the Simi Valley Police Department. Investigators took into account the nature of involvement DeShields had with the SVUSD, determining that his only role was that of a coach, not an educator. They have yet to find evidence that suggests the presence of additional victims in this case.
The Simi Valley Unified School District, amid the unfolding of these allegations, has put DeShields on leave, as the investigation progresses, a spokesperson confirmed in a statement obtained by KTLA. They reiterated that as a walk-on coach, his role was strictly confined to the basketball court, not extending to any form of classroom instruction. The seriousness of the charges levied against DeShields casts a shadow over the community that trusted him with the guidance and mentorship of its young athletes.
