Last Updated: December 2025
Jacob Alexander Demmin, a 25-year-old gymnastics coach from Yorba Linda, has been arrested on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a minor. Well-known within Orange County’s youth sports community, Demmin faces multiple serious charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of an underage girl he coached at Firestorm Free Running and Acrobatics Gym locations in Santa Ana and Westminster.
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by a coach, instructor, or authority figure, the experienced sexual abuse attorneys at Dordulian Law Group are here to help. Our SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) specializes in representing survivors of institutional abuse and can help you pursue justice and compensation. Contact us today at (866) GO-SEE-SAM for your free, confidential consultation.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Jacob Alexander Demmin was arrested on December 24, 2025, on multiple serious charges including:
The investigation began earlier in December 2025 when a courageous victim came forward after learning that Demmin was still coaching children. The victim alleges that in 2021, when she was a minor, Demmin groomed her while serving as her gymnastics coach at Firestorm Free Running and Acrobatics Gym. The abuse allegedly included inappropriate communication and a sexual relationship – a betrayal of trust that exploited the power dynamic inherent in the coach-athlete relationship.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s issued statement declaring that “due to Demmin’s access to minors through his employment, investigators believe there may be additional victims.” This possibility underscores a disturbing reality: when one victim comes forward, there are often others who have suffered in silence.
The Demmin case, while shocking, is unfortunately not an isolated incident. Sexual abuse in youth sports programs is a pervasive problem that affects communities across California and nationwide. According to research and advocacy organizations focused on child protection:
Gymnastics, in particular, has faced significant scrutiny in recent years following high-profile abuse cases, including the Larry Nassar scandal that exposed systemic failures at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. These cases have revealed how institutions often prioritize their reputation over child safety, enabling predators to continue abusing young athletes.
If your child was abused by a coach or instructor at any sports facility in Southern California, you have legal options. The dedicated attorneys at Dordulian Law Group have extensive experience holding both individual perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. Call us at (866) GO-SEE-SAM to discuss your case in complete confidence.
One of the most insidious aspects of the allegations against Demmin is the grooming process. Grooming refers to the deliberate actions taken by an abuser to manipulate a child into sexual abuse while simultaneously working to prevent disclosure. Understanding grooming is essential for parents, athletes, and the broader community to recognize warning signs and protect vulnerable children.
Common Grooming Tactics in Youth Sports
Building Trust and Special Relationships: Predatory coaches often single out specific athletes for “special attention,” creating a sense of privilege and uniqueness. They may offer extra coaching sessions, compliment the athlete excessively, or show interest in their personal lives beyond the sport.
Isolating the Victim: Abusers work to create opportunities to be alone with their target. This might involve offering private coaching sessions, giving rides home, or finding reasons to communicate outside of practice through texts, social media, or other platforms.
Normalizing Inappropriate Behavior: Predators gradually introduce inappropriate touching or conversations, often framing them as normal or necessary for athletic development. In gymnastics and other sports requiring physical contact, this boundary-crossing can be particularly difficult for young athletes to identify.
Creating Secrecy: Abusers establish a culture of secrecy, making the relationship feel special and exclusive. They may tell the victim that others “wouldn’t understand” or that disclosure would result in negative consequences for the athlete, the coach, or the team.
Exploiting Vulnerability: Predators often target athletes who may be more vulnerable due to family problems, low self-esteem, or a strong desire to succeed in their sport. They position themselves as confidants or mentors who uniquely understand the athlete.
Desensitization: Through gradual escalation, abusers desensitize victims to increasingly inappropriate behavior. What might start as seemingly innocent compliments or touches progressively becomes more overtly sexual.
Why Victims Often Don’t Immediately Report
Understanding why victims delay reporting is crucial for everyone involved in youth sports. Common reasons include:
If you or your child experienced abuse but didn’t immediately report it, please know that delayed disclosure is completely normal and doesn’t diminish the validity of your experience. California law recognizes this reality and provides extended time periods for survivors to seek justice. Contact Dordulian Law Group at (866) GO-SEE-SAM to learn about your legal options regardless of when the abuse occurred.
One of the most important developments for childhood sexual abuse survivors in California is Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452), the Justice for Survivors Act, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law in 2023. This groundbreaking legislation completely eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases occurring from January 1, 2024 forward.
What is AB 452?
AB 452 represents California’s recognition that childhood sexual abuse often isn’t reported or processed until years or even decades after it occurs. The law acknowledges the complex psychological barriers that prevent survivors from coming forward immediately and now provides unlimited time for survivors to seek justice and compensation.
Key Provisions of AB 452
Complete Elimination of Statute of Limitations: Under AB 452, for any childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, there is NO statute of limitations whatsoever. Survivors can file civil lawsuits at any time – whether it’s one year, ten years, or fifty years after the abuse occurred. This groundbreaking provision recognizes that healing happens on each survivor’s own timeline.
Not Retroactive: It’s crucial to understand that AB 452 is not retroactive. For childhood sexual abuse that occurred before January 1, 2024, the previous law still applies – survivors have until their 40th birthday or within five years of discovering that psychological injury or illness was caused by the abuse, whichever is later.
Institutional Accountability: AB 452 explicitly allows survivors to sue institutions that employed abusers or provided them with access to children, particularly when those institutions failed to take reasonable steps to prevent abuse or respond appropriately to allegations.
How AB 452 Applies to Cases Like Jacob Demmin’s
The allegations against Jacob Demmin date back to 2021, when the victim was a minor. Because this abuse occurred before AB 452 took effect on January 1, 2024, the previous statute of limitations would apply to this victim’s civil claims – until the survivor’s 40th birthday (or within five years of discovering an injury due to the sexual abuse), whichever is later.
However, any victims who may have been abused by Demmin in 2024 or later would have unlimited time to file civil claims under AB 452’s new provisions.
Civil claims can provide:
The SAJE Team at Dordulian Law Group has extensive experience navigating AB 452 claims and helping survivors pursue justice regardless of when the abuse occurred. We understand the complexities of these cases and handle them with the sensitivity and discretion they deserve. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM to speak with an experienced childhood sexual abuse attorney today.
While individual predators like Jacob Demmin must be held accountable for their actions, it’s equally important to examine the role that institutions play in either preventing or enabling abuse. Firestorm Free Running and Acrobatics Gym, where Demmin allegedly worked when he abused his victim, had a responsibility to protect the children in its care.
Institutional Responsibilities in Youth Sports
Youth sports organizations, gymnastics gyms, and similar facilities have specific legal duties to protect children, including:
Proper Background Checks: All employees and volunteers who work with children should undergo comprehensive background checks before being allowed to coach, supervise, or interact with minors.
Adequate Training: Staff should receive regular training on recognizing signs of abuse, appropriate boundaries with athletes, and mandatory reporting requirements.
Supervision Policies: Organizations must implement and enforce policies ensuring that coaches are never alone with individual children in private settings.
Response Protocols: When allegations arise, institutions must have clear protocols for immediately investigating, reporting to authorities, and protecting other potential victims.
Regular Monitoring: Ongoing supervision and evaluation of coaches and staff to identify concerning behavior patterns before they escalate to abuse.
Safe Sport Policies: Adoption and enforcement of comprehensive child protection policies that create multiple barriers to abuse.
When Institutions Fail
Institutions can be held liable for childhood sexual abuse when they:
In the Demmin case, important questions remain about what Firestorm Free Running and Acrobatics Gym knew, when they knew it, and what actions they took (or failed to take) to protect children. The fact that the victim came forward after learning Demmin was still coaching children suggests potential institutional failures that allowed him to maintain access to young athletes.
The Importance of Civil Claims Against Institutions
While criminal charges address the perpetrator’s conduct, civil claims against institutions serve additional crucial purposes:
Systemic Change: Successful civil lawsuits force organizations to implement better policies and procedures, protecting future children from similar abuse.
Full Compensation: Institutions typically have far greater resources than individual perpetrators, enabling them to provide more comprehensive compensation to survivors.
Accountability: Civil litigation exposes institutional failures and cover-ups, creating public pressure for meaningful reform.
Deterrence: When organizations face significant financial consequences for failing to protect children, they become motivated to prioritize child safety over reputation and profits.
If you believe an institution failed to protect you or your child from abuse, the attorneys at Dordulian Law Group can thoroughly investigate the organization’s policies, practices, and response to determine all potentially liable parties. We leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice for our clients. Contact us at (866) GO-SEE-SAM for a comprehensive case evaluation.
As a parent or guardian, recognizing potential warning signs of sexual abuse is crucial for protecting your child. While these signs don’t definitively indicate abuse is occurring, they warrant careful attention and open communication with your child.
Behavioral Changes
Physical Signs
Relationship Red Flags with Coaches or Instructors
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
If you suspect your child is being abused:
The team at Dordulian Law Group understands how devastating it is to learn that your child has been abused. We provide compassionate, confidential legal representation to help families pursue justice and compensation. Call us at (866) GO-SEE-SAM to speak with an attorney who cares about your child’s well-being and your family’s future.
It’s important for victims and families to understand the distinction between the criminal case against Jacob Demmin and potential civil claims that survivors may pursue.
The Criminal Case
Purpose: The criminal case is brought by the government (in this case, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office) and aims to punish the perpetrator for violating criminal laws.
Charges: Demmin faces multiple felony charges including sodomy with a person under 18, contacting a minor with intent to commit lewd acts, sexual penetration with a foreign object, annoying or molesting a victim under 18, and unlawful sex with a minor.
Potential Outcomes: If convicted, Demmin could face significant prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, probation, and other penalties.
Burden of Proof: In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a high standard designed to protect defendants’ rights.
Victim’s Role: Victims serve as witnesses in criminal cases but don’t control the prosecution. The District Attorney makes decisions about charges, plea deals, and trial strategy.
Compensation: While courts can order restitution in criminal cases, these amounts are typically limited to direct economic losses and don’t fully compensate victims for the harm they’ve suffered.
Civil Claims
Purpose: Civil lawsuits allow victims to seek financial compensation directly from perpetrators and negligent institutions for the harm they’ve suffered.
Who Can Be Sued: Civil claims can target not only the perpetrator but also employers, organizations, and others who enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.
Types of Compensation: Civil claims can recover damages for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and sometimes punitive damages designed to punish particularly egregious conduct.
Burden of Proof: Civil cases require proving liability by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that abuse occurred. This is a lower standard than criminal cases.
Victim’s Control: In civil cases, you and your attorney control the litigation strategy, settlement decisions, and all other aspects of the case.
Timeline: Civil cases often proceed on a different timeline than criminal cases and can be filed regardless of whether criminal charges result in conviction.
Privacy Protections: Civil cases involving childhood sexual abuse often include provisions to protect victims’ privacy and allow them to proceed under pseudonyms.
Why Both Matter
Many survivors pursue both criminal prosecution and civil litigation because each serves different purposes:
The experienced attorneys at Dordulian Law Group work closely with law enforcement and prosecutors while simultaneously pursuing civil claims on behalf of our clients. We understand how to coordinate both processes to maximize accountability and compensation for survivors. Contact us at (866) GO-SEE-SAM to discuss your legal options in a free, confidential consultation.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has explicitly stated that they believe there may be additional victims of Jacob Demmin. This is not unusual – in fact, it’s tragically common. Predators who abuse children rarely have just one victim, and the pattern of abuse often spans years.
Why Multiple Victims Matter
Strength in Numbers: When multiple victims come forward, their collective testimony creates a powerful pattern of evidence that becomes harder for defendants to dispute.
Corroboration: Similar stories from different victims corroborate each other, demonstrating a consistent pattern of predatory behavior rather than isolated incidents.
Institutional Accountability: Multiple victims often reveal systemic institutional failures, making it clearer that organizations should have recognized warning signs and taken action.
Criminal Prosecution: Additional victims can strengthen the criminal case, potentially leading to more serious charges and longer sentences.
Civil Damages: In some cases, evidence of multiple victims can support claims for punitive damages designed to punish particularly egregious conduct.
The Courage to Come Forward
If you believe you or your child was victimized by Jacob Demmin or any other youth sports coach or instructor, coming forward can feel overwhelming. You may be experiencing:
Please know that these feelings are completely normal, and you don’t have to face them alone. The process of reporting abuse and pursuing legal action is designed to protect victims, and experienced attorneys can help you navigate each step while maintaining your privacy and dignity.
How to Report If You’re a Potential Victim
If you believe you were victimized by Jacob Demmin or have information about the case:
Contact Law Enforcement:
Consult with an Attorney: Even before (or instead of) reporting to law enforcement, you can speak with an attorney who can:
The compassionate attorneys at Dordulian Law Group provide confidential consultations for potential victims and can help you make informed decisions about reporting and pursuing legal claims. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM to speak with a member of our SAJE Team today.
Cases involving childhood sexual abuse require attorneys with specific expertise, sensitivity, and resources. This isn’t a practice area where any general personal injury lawyer can provide effective representation. Here’s why specialized representation matters:
Understanding Trauma-Informed Practice
Attorneys who specialize in sexual abuse cases understand trauma and its effects on survivors. This means:
Investigative Resources
Successful sexual abuse cases require thorough investigation, including:
Complex Legal Knowledge
These cases involve specialized legal issues:
Trial Experience
While many cases settle, you need an attorney prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. This requires:
Why Dordulian Law Group?
At Dordulian Law Group, our SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) brings all of these elements together. Led by Sam Dordulian, a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney with over 100 jury trial victories and 17+ years in private practice, our team combines prosecutorial insight with civil litigation expertise.
We serve clients nationwide with particular focus on Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the San Gabriel Valley. Our track record includes:
Most importantly, we treat every client with dignity, respect, and compassion. We understand that you’re not just a case number – you’re a survivor seeking justice, and we’re honored to fight alongside you.
Contact Dordulian Law Group today at (866) GO-SEE-SAM for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin building your case.
Understanding the legal process can help reduce anxiety about pursuing a civil claim. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a confidential consultation where you’ll speak with an experienced attorney about:
This consultation is completely confidential and free. You’re under no obligation to hire us, and we’re here simply to provide information and support.
Investigation Phase
If you choose to proceed, we’ll conduct a comprehensive investigation:
Filing Your Lawsuit
Once we’ve completed our investigation, we’ll file a civil lawsuit on your behalf. This document:
Discovery Process
During discovery, both sides exchange information through:
We’ll prepare you thoroughly for any deposition and will be with you every step of the way.
Settlement Negotiations
Many cases resolve through settlement negotiations before trial. We’ll:
Trial
If settlement isn’t possible or appropriate, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our trial experience includes:
Timeline
Every case is different, but civil claims typically take between several months to a year or more (from filing to resolution). The complexity of the case and other factors can dictate how long a case may take to either settle or conclude via a jury trial. We’ll work efficiently while refusing to rush or compromise the quality of your case.
Throughout this entire process, the team at Dordulian Law Group will be your advocates, advisors, and allies. We handle the legal complexity so you can focus on healing. Call us at (866) GO-SEE-SAM to begin your journey toward justice.
When survivors come forward and pursue legal action, they don’t just seek justice for themselves – they protect future generations of children. Your courage can:
Expose Institutional Failures
Civil litigation forces organizations to produce internal documents, policies, and communications that might reveal:
This exposure creates public pressure for meaningful reform and demonstrates to other organizations the consequences of failing to protect children.
Force Policy Changes
Settlement agreements in civil cases often include provisions requiring institutions to:
These changes can prevent future abuse and create safer environments for the next generation of young athletes.
Remove Dangerous Individuals
By pursuing criminal and civil accountability, survivors help ensure that predators:
Empower Other Survivors
When you come forward, you give other survivors permission to do the same. Your courage demonstrates that:
Many survivors report that seeing others come forward gave them the strength to report their own abuse.
Create Cultural Change
Collectively, survivors who pursue legal action are changing the culture around childhood sexual abuse by:
Your decision to seek justice through Dordulian Law Group contributes to this broader movement for protecting children. While we focus on your individual case and your personal healing, we recognize that every case we handle is part of a larger fight for child safety and institutional accountability.
Join us in this fight. Contact Dordulian Law Group at (866) GO-SEE-SAM to discuss how we can help you pursue justice while protecting other children from similar abuse.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Under AB 452, the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims is removed for crimes occurring after January 1, 2024. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse in California who were harmed before 2024, you have until age 40 (or within five years of discovering that psychological injury or illness was caused by the abuse), whichever is later. However, it’s always best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What if the abuse happened years ago?
AB 218 includes a revival provision that opened a window for survivors whose claims would have previously been time-barred – until their 40th birthday. Even if you believe too much time has passed, contact us for a consultation. You may still have legal options.
Will my identity become public?
California law allows survivors of sexual abuse to proceed under pseudonyms in most civil cases, protecting their identity. We take extraordinary measures to protect our clients’ privacy throughout the legal process.
Do I have to report to police to file a civil claim?
No. Criminal prosecution and civil litigation are separate processes. You can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether you’ve reported to law enforcement or whether criminal charges have been filed.
What can I recover in a civil claim?
Potential damages include compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
Can I sue the gym or organization, not just the abuser?
Yes. AB 452 explicitly allows survivors to sue institutions that employed abusers or provided them access to children, particularly when those institutions failed to take reasonable steps to prevent abuse.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
At Dordulian Law Group, we handle sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only collect attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you. You don’t pay unless we win. This ensures that all survivors have access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
What if there are other victims?
If multiple victims come forward, each person’s case is handled individually, but the collective evidence can strengthen everyone’s claims. We maintain strict confidentiality for each client while recognizing that patterns of abuse can be powerful evidence.
How do I know if what happened to me was abuse?
If an adult in a position of authority engaged in sexual contact with you when you were a minor, showed you sexually explicit material, or communicated with you in sexual ways, that was abuse – regardless of whether you “consented” or felt you participated willingly. Minors cannot legally consent to sexual contact with adults, especially those in positions of power.
What should I tell my child who was abused?
The most important messages to convey are:
Consult with a therapist who specializes in childhood trauma and an attorney who can help protect your child’s legal rights.
The arrest of Jacob Demmin serves as a stark reminder that childhood sexual abuse can happen anywhere – even in spaces where parents trust their children to be safe. If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by a coach, instructor, or authority figure at a gymnastics gym, sports facility, school, or any other institution, you deserve justice.
At Dordulian Law Group, our SAJE Team specializes in representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse and institutional abuse throughout California. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we’re here to support you every step of the way with:
Led by Sam Dordulian, a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney with over 100 jury trials and 17+ years in private practice, our team brings prosecutorial insight and civil litigation expertise to every case we handle. We serve clients throughout Southern California with particular focus on Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the San Gabriel Valley.
Don’t wait to pursue the justice you deserve. California’s AB 452 provides extended time to file claims, but evidence is always easier to preserve and witnesses are more reliable when cases are pursued sooner rather than later.
Contact Dordulian Law Group today for your FREE attorney consultation. Call: 1-866-GO-SEE-SAM ((866) GO-SEE-SAM)
Available 24/7 for Free & Confidential Consultations
You don’t have to face this alone. Let us fight for your rights, your recovery, and your future. Together, we can hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable while working toward a world where children are truly safe.
Author
"*" indicates required fields
