NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – A water polo coach at University High School in Irvine was arraigned today for unlawful sex with a 17-year-old student. Coleman Michael Pickell, 23, Irvine, is charged with three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, two felony count of sexual penetration by foreign object of a minor, and one felony count of oral copulation of a minor. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of six years and four months in state prison. Pickell is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Jan. 23, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. in Department H-7, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach.

During the summer of 2015, Pickell was a water polo coach and volunteered as a swim coach at University High School in Irvine where he met the victim, 17-year-old Jane Doe. The defendant is accused of violating his position of trust with access to minors.

On multiple occasions in September 2016, Pickell is accused of contacting the victim and engaging in unlawful sexual acts.

The night of Oct. 8, 2016, the defendant is accused of taking the victim to a hotel room. Jane Doe's parents located her at the hotel the next morning and contacted the Irvine Police Department (IPD).

On Oct. 11, 2016, Pickell was arrested by IPD, who investigated this case.

Deputy District Attorney Ann Fawaz of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 16HF1687 / December 5, 2016