Joshua Owens booking photo.
Staff Report
A man who works as a water polo and swim coach at Kennedy High School in La Palma since 2014 has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting minors, and police are seeking additional victims, authorities said Tuesday.
Joshua Christopher Owens, 23, was arrested on Monday.
He was charged with various misdemeanor and felony offenses and was released from the Buena Park Police Department after posting $75,000 bail, officials said in a news release.
Officials are saying the crimes occurred at Kennedy but could have occurred at Buena Park High too.
Police believe Owens used his positions to meet his victims.
He also worked as a seasonal lifeguard with the Long Beach Fire Department.
The allegations were first reported to Kennedy high school staff, which notified the police department, authorities said.
Anyone with information about Owens or believe they were a victim can call Detective Todd Franssen at 714-562-3963.
“Our biggest concern is that there are victims out there who have not been identified and they may be reluctant to come forward and speak with authorities,” Sgt. Michael Lovchik said.
AUHSD Reacts Following Arrest of Former Kennedy High School Coach
LA PALMA—The Anaheim Union High School District has been shaken by the arrest of former Kennedy High School coach Joshua Owens.
We understand that these allegations are very troubling. We understand how important it is that students who are entrusted to us are safe on campus. A potential violation of that trust impacts all of us. Our students are like our family, and this is very personal for the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees and all of our employees. We stand ready to respond to the emotional needs of the Kennedy High School community through counseling or referrals.
We appreciate the Buena Park Police Department acting as quickly and thoroughly as they did. We have cooperated fully in their investigation. Since we don’t want to interfere with the investigative process, the District will not be able to release any additional information, other than what law enforcement authorities have already reported.
This is a very real tragedy for our educational community.
While the information we can share with you is limited, we will be scheduling a parent meeting in the near future with District leaders and law enforcement personnel.
