Justin Yasutake, a local youth soccer coach and teacher, has been arrested for possessing child pornography.
Yasutake, a 39-year-old Pasadena resident with a 20-year career as an educator and girls soccer coach, was taken into custody at his home Wednesday afternoon by members of the Arcadia Police Department.
The arrest occurred following an investigation which began last month after a concerned individual reported to Arcadia police suspicious messages received through social media.
According to police statements, these messages contained inquiries about juvenile girls and included videos of an individual engaging in inappropriate behavior while viewing images of underage females. Investigators later linked Yasutake to these online conversations, leading to a more in-depth probe into his activities.
“In these messages, an unknown subject was inquiring about juvenile girls and sending videos of themselves masturbating to images of juvenile girls,” the Arcadia Police Department’s press release said.
Yasutake was later identified as one of the people involved in that online conversation, according to investigators.
Following the initial report, investigators obtained a search warrant for Yasutake’s electronic devices. The execution of this warrant revealed a disturbing cache of evidence, including “numerous” videos and images depicting underage girls engaged in sexual activities.
The discovery provided the necessary grounds for an arrest warrant, leading to Yasutake’s apprehension. Given the volume and nature of the illegal content found on the devices, Yasutake could potentially face serious charges.
KTLA reported that Yasutake is currently being held at the Arcadia Police Department. Charges of possession of child sex abuse material are expected to be announced shortly.
As the Arcadia Police Department’s investigation progressed, detectives uncovered troubling details about Yasutake’s background. His two-decade-long career as both a teacher and youth soccer coach provided him with extensive access to underage girls. Accordingly, police have raised concerns about potential exploitation of girls during his tenure in these roles.
The Arcadia Police Department has expressed suspicions that Yasutake may have been using his position of authority to take advantage of minors under his supervision. They are now calling for any potential victims or witnesses to come forward with information that could aid in the ongoing investigation.
Anyone who has had previous contact with Yasutake and may have information pertinent to the case is urged to immediately contact detectives at 626-574-5188. Anonymous tips can be submitted online or by calling 800-222-8477.
The case against Justin Yasutake highlights the growing threat of online predators using social media platforms to target vulnerable youth. The initial report of suspicious messages helped launch the investigation and ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest.
In recent years, law enforcement officials have stressed the importance of monitoring children’s online activities and reporting any suspicious behavior. Parents and guardians are encouraged to maintain open communication with their children about internet safety and the potential dangers lurking in digital spaces.
Additionally, Yasutake’s arrest serves as a reminder of the potential for abuse within educational and youth sports settings. His long-term access to underage girls as both a teacher and coach has raised significant concerns about the extent of his alleged exploitation.
When a child is victimized by a predator teacher or coach, the devastating effects can be long-lasting and lead to a number of complications throughout various stages of the victim’s life.
Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, difficulty forming relationships, and difficulty securing employment are just some of the common effects experienced by child sexual abuse survivors.
Victims and their families can pursue justice through civil lawsuits as a means of securing financial compensation for a number of applicable damages:
To speak with a childhood sexual abuse attorney about your legal options, contact Dordulian Law Group today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. Consultations are always free and without any obligation. And our No Win/No Fee Guarantee means victims never have to worry about paying a penny upfront for our expert legal representation.
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In that role, Dordulian obtained life sentences against dangerous and often violent sexual predators. With more than 100 jury trial victories, Dordulian brings a level of experience that is rarely found in a California teacher/coach sexual abuse attorney.
In light of this troubling incident, law enforcement officials are emphasizing the critical role that community members play in identifying and reporting suspicious online activities. The initial tip that led to Yasutake’s arrest demonstrates the power of individual action in protecting vulnerable children.
The Arcadia Police Department urges anyone with information related to this case or other instances of potential child exploitation to come forward.
Police have provided multiple channels for reporting, including:
Unfortunately, cases of child exploitation within educational and sports settings continue to make headlines – particularly in Southern California. This troubling trend highlights the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
Parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect children from potential predators.
Some recommended steps include:
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
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