FULLERTON, Calif. – A high school water polo and swim coach is scheduled to be arraigned today for sexually assaulting three female students between 14 and 16 years old. Joshua Christopher Owens, 23, La Palma, was charged today with one felony count of oral copulation of a minor under 16, one felony count of digital penetration of a minor, and six misdemeanor counts of child annoyance. If convicted, Owens faces a maximum sentence of three years and eight months in state prison plus six years in county jail. He is out of custody on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned today, Jan. 6, 2017, in Department N-12, North Justice Center, Fullerton. The time is to be determined.

At the time of the crime, Owens was employed as a part-time water polo and swim coach at Kennedy High School (KHS) in La Palma and as a seasonal lifeguard in Long Beach. He is accused of being in a position of trust with access to minors from 2014 to 2016 and meeting all three victims through his position as a coach at KHS. The defendant is accused of assaulting the victims at various locations in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Between September 2014 and April 2015, Owens is accused of sexually assaulting Jane Doe 2 by orally copulating and digitally penetrating the victim. The defendant is also accused of molesting the victim by touching her breast.

Between January 2016 and June 2016, the defendant is accused of molesting Jane Doe 1 by touching the victim's breast and masturbating in front of her.

Between March 2016 and June 2016, Owens is accused of sexually assaulting Jane Doe 3 by kissing the victim with sexual intent on multiple occasions.

In early November 2016, the Buena Park Police Department (BPPD) began investigating this case and arrested Owens on Nov. 21, 2016.

Deputy District Attorney Karyn Stokke of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 17NF0060 / January 06, 2017