Jabari DeShields, a Simi Valley High School basketball coach, has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing two young girls. If your child had contact with this coach or experienced abuse at any Simi Valley Unified School District school, you need to understand your legal rights.
Dordulian Law Group represents victims of coach and teacher sexual abuse throughout Ventura County and California. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM now for your free, confidential consultation with an experienced Simi Valley school abuse lawyer.
Coach Arrested: Jabari DeShields, 36, of Simi Valley
Position: Assistant walk-on basketball coach
School: Simi Valley High School (Simi Valley Unified School District)
Charges: Five felony counts of lewd acts upon a minor aged 14
Victims: Two juvenile girls (met at local business, not during school)
Bail: $120,000
Current Status: On leave pending investigation
If your child had contact with Coach DeShields or attended Simi Valley Unified School District schools, call (866) GO-SEE-SAM now.
Jabari DeShields, a 36-year-old assistant walk-on basketball coach at Simi Valley High School, was arrested Thursday morning by the Simi Valley Police Department.
The Report and Investigation
The case began last month when a mandated reporter – which can include school employees, healthcare workers, or law enforcement – reported concerns about DeShields to authorities. California law requires certain professionals to report suspected child abuse.
Police investigated and identified two juvenile girls who were allegedly targeted by DeShields. Both victims were students in Simi Valley Unified School District, but at schools other than Simi Valley High School. DeShields allegedly met both girls at a local business outside of school hours, not through his coaching duties.
The Criminal Charges
DeShields faces serious felony charges:
School District Response
Simi Valley Unified School District confirmed DeShields is on leave pending the investigation results. As a walk-on coach, DeShields only served in a coaching capacity and did not provide any classroom instruction.
Police stated they do not believe there are additional victims but encourage anyone with information to contact Detective Kellyn King at 805-583-6913.
When a coach or school employee sexually abuses students, both the individual perpetrator and the school district can be held accountable through civil lawsuits.
Can You Sue Simi Valley Unified School District?
Yes. Even though DeShields allegedly met the victims outside of school, the school district may still be liable if they:
Negligently Hired the Coach:
Negligently Supervised:
Knew or Should Have Known:
Failed to Protect Students:
A Ventura County school abuse attorney can investigate whether Simi Valley Unified School District failed in its duty to protect students.
Coaches occupy positions of tremendous trust and authority, making them particularly dangerous when they abuse that power.
The Power Dynamic
Grooming Tactics Coaches Use
Even though DeShields allegedly met victims at a local business, this follows common grooming patterns:
Victims of coach sexual abuse may recover substantial compensation through civil lawsuits.
Economic Damages
Non-Economic Damages
California does not cap non-economic damages in sexual abuse cases, allowing juries to award amounts that truly reflect the harm.
Punitive Damages
When school districts act with conscious disregard for student safety:
Recent California coach sexual abuse settlements range from $1 million to over $20 million depending on case specifics.
AB 218: Extended Time to File | AB 452: Elimination of SOL
California’s AB 218 and AB 452 laws provides significant protections for victims of sexual abuse:
Filing Deadlines:
No Criminal Conviction Required: You can sue even if criminal charges don’t result in conviction
Lower Burden of Proof: Civil cases require “more likely than not” instead of “beyond reasonable doubt”
Both Coach AND School Can Be Sued: Hold all responsible parties accountable
Immediate Steps for Parents
Call Dordulian Law Group at (866) GO-SEE-SAM:
Ventura County School Abuse Experience
Sam Dordulian brings unique qualifications:
The SAJE Team: Support for Victims and Families
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts (SAJE) Team provides:
No Fees Unless We Win
Q: Can I sue even though the abuse allegedly happened outside of school?
A: Yes. Schools can be liable for coaches’ conduct even off-campus if they negligently hired, supervised, or failed to prevent the abuse.
Q: My child wasn’t on the basketball team. Can we still have a case?
A: Possibly. If DeShields had any contact with your child through school or community activities, consult an attorney.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
A: Under AB 218, victims can file until age 40 or within 5 years of discovering psychological injury. However, acting sooner preserves evidence. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM to discuss deadlines.
Q: Will my child’s identity be public?
A: No. All child sexual abuse cases use pseudonyms (Jane Doe/John Doe) to protect victims’ identities.
Q: How much does a Ventura County school abuse lawyer cost?
A: Dordulian Law Group works on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
Q: What if the criminal case doesn’t result in conviction?
A: Civil cases are separate and have a lower burden of proof. Many civil cases succeed even when criminal prosecution doesn’t.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Evidence Preservation: Witnesses’ memories fade, documents may be destroyed, digital evidence can be lost
Protecting Your Child: Early therapy and legal intervention help children heal
Other Victims: Your case may reveal additional victims or prevent future abuse
Your Rights: Acting now protects your legal options under California law
Contact Ventura County’s Leading School Abuse Lawyers
Call 24/7: (866) GO-SEE-SAM ((866) GO-SEE-SAM)
Free Consultation for Simi Valley Families:
Serving Ventura County Communities
Dordulian Law Group represents school sexual abuse victims throughout:
Simi Valley Unified School District failed to protect students. They must be held accountable.
Dordulian Law Group’s Ventura County school abuse lawyers stand with victims:
Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves answers. The school district deserves accountability.
Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM now for your free consultation.
Report Information: Detective Kellyn King, Simi Valley Police: 805-583-6913
Legal Help: Dordulian Law Group: (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Support: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
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