Victims Of Local Coach Accused Of Sexual Abuse Sought

LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities this week continue to seek potential additional victims of a Chatsworth man and former high school basketball coach accused of sexually abusing a minor.

According to Los Angeles Police Detectives, Gabriel Chavez, 36, had access to youths as a coach and a youth program volunteer. He was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of multiple counts of lewd acts with a minor, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Chavez coached high school basketball at Granada Hills Charter school when the alleged criminal acts occurred, police said. His employment at the school ended in January 2023, according to the LAPD, which added that he had a history of employment and volunteer work at various youth programs throughout the city.

"This is an ongoing investigation and there is a collaborative effort by detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Detective Division and personnel from the high school," the police department said in a statement. "A photograph of Chavez is being released in hopes to identify and speak with additional persons who may have been victimized by Chavez, or who may have witnessed Chavez engage in inappropriate behavior."

Chavez was being held in lieu of $310,000 bail, according to police.

LAPD Devonshire-area sexual assault investigators urged anyone with information regarding the investigation to call them at 818-832-0609 or 877-527- 3247. Anonymous tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS, or use the website www.lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service contributed to this report.