Former Livermore Youth Soccer Coach Acquitted of Child Molestation

LIVERMORE - A shocking arrest in Livermore in 2014 ended quietly in a courtroom last week when a former youth soccer coach was found not guilty of inappropriately touching a 10-year-old girl. The jury returned the verdict in less than two hours.

Jesse Schlicker was arrested on July 22, 2014 after a 10 year old soccer student at Cabernet Indoor Sports accused him of touching her.

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In a written statement, the defense alleges that Livermore police did not properly investigate the case. “Defense Attorney (Patrick) Clancy argued that there was a complete failure to conduct a professional investigation. He introduced that Detective (Glen) Robbins had been assigned to the child molestation investigation unit of the Livermore Police Department for only one week prior to the allegation.

“It was also introduced into evidence that Detective Robbins had not taken a single course in child molestation investigations that are offered by Police Officers Standard of Training, the main police training center for the State of California or by any other training organization.”

Despite widespread publicity, no other potential victims came forward.

Teresa Drenick of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office told Patch, “This office is dedicated to ensuring that the children of Alameda County are protected. The victim in this case is an incredibly brave young girl who did everything she should have in this situation.

“Cases involving child victims of sexual assault are among the most difficult cases to prosecute because often times, there is no corroboration to the victim’s account of the crime. By their very nature, these crimes are often committed when no eyewitnesses are present. California Law specifically addresses this legal issue with an instruction to the jury stating that the testimony of a single witness, if she is believed, is enough to convict a sexual assailant. This case presented that exact challenge. Thankfully this victim was up to the challenge, and we will continue to support her and those like her in the future.”

With the trial behind him, Schlicker plans on continuing his education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Audio Engineering.