Renoir Valenti, 50 (KTLA-TV) |
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LANCASTER, Calif. (KTLA) -- Prosecutors say they have now identified 13 alleged victims in the child sexual abuse case against longtime Antelope Valley soccer coach, Renoir Valenti, including five current or former players.
Valentis victims are all males, who ranged in age from 5 to 15 when the alleged sexual abuse occurred, investigators said.
Valenti, 50, has worked as a volunteer coach and referee for more than 16 years.
Los Angeles County Sheriffs investigators believe Valenti used his position as a soccer coach as a method to meet and befriend children.
He is currently charged with five felony counts of continuous sexual abuse and eight misdemeanor counts of child molesting.
Police began investigating Valenti in July when the mother of a 9-year-old boy told authorities her son was molested.
That allegation was unrelated to Valenti being a soccer coach, according to authorities.
However, police later identified two soccer players -- both boys under 15 years old -- who were allegedly molested by Valenti.
According to Sgt. Brian Hudson of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, one incident happened at the suspect's home, while other incidents happened at various recreational areas.
Valenti was arrested by Sheriffs detectives earlier this month at his residence in the 42900 block of 59th Street West in Lancaster.
Valenti is being held on $2.25 million bail.
If convicted, he faces 83 years to life in prison.
His is due back in court September 12.
Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Brian Hudson of the Special Victims Unit at (877) 710-5273.
Valentis victims are all males, who ranged in age from 5 to 15 when the alleged sexual abuse occurred, investigators said.
Valenti, 50, has worked as a volunteer coach and referee for more than 16 years.
Los Angeles County Sheriffs investigators believe Valenti used his position as a soccer coach as a method to meet and befriend children.
He is currently charged with five felony counts of continuous sexual abuse and eight misdemeanor counts of child molesting.
Police began investigating Valenti in July when the mother of a 9-year-old boy told authorities her son was molested.
That allegation was unrelated to Valenti being a soccer coach, according to authorities.
However, police later identified two soccer players -- both boys under 15 years old -- who were allegedly molested by Valenti.
According to Sgt. Brian Hudson of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, one incident happened at the suspect's home, while other incidents happened at various recreational areas.
Valenti was arrested by Sheriffs detectives earlier this month at his residence in the 42900 block of 59th Street West in Lancaster.
Valenti is being held on $2.25 million bail.
If convicted, he faces 83 years to life in prison.
His is due back in court September 12.
Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Brian Hudson of the Special Victims Unit at (877) 710-5273.
