Long Beach Baseball Coach Arrested for Sexual Assault

News Summary

The Long Beach community is in shock following the arrest of Gabriel Vigil, a high school baseball coach, on charges of sexually assaulting a female student. The accusations emerged after a staff report led to a swift investigation by the Long Beach Police Department. Vigil faces serious charges including statutory rape, with bail set at $100,000. The Long Beach Unified School District has terminated his employment, emphasizing the importance of a safe environment for students. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

Long Beach’s Baseball Community Shaken by Arrest of Coach

In a startling turn of events, the vibrant community of Long Beach is grappling with unsettling news involving a local high school baseball coach. Gabriel Vigil, a 34-year-old baseball coach and substitute staff member at Cabrillo High School, was arrested on suspicion of the serious crime of sexually assaulting a female student off-campus.

Details of the Investigation

The alarm bells were rung when a staff member at Cabrillo High School reported the alleged assault on July 1. Acting swiftly, the Long Beach Police Department launched an investigation that ultimately led to Vigil’s arrest. His apprehension took place on Thursday morning at around 8:24 a.m. at his residence located near Pacific Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway.

Charges Include Serious Offenses

Authorities have booked Vigil on three serious charges, including one count of statutory rape, one count of arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes, and one count of contacting a minor to commit a felony. As the investigation unfolds, Vigil’s bail has been set at a hefty $100,000.

Background on Gabriel Vigil

For many in this community, the news surrounding Vigil is particularly shocking. As a proud alumnus of Cabrillo High School, he had taken over the baseball program earlier this year, fostering hopes and dreams for budding young athletes. Prior to this, he served as an assistant coach at Cabrillo during the 2014-15 season and has a wealth of experience coaching at various high schools, including Mayfair and Bellflower, in addition to working at El Camino College over the past 13 years. His impressive background also extends beyond state lines, as he worked as an assistant coach and Director of Baseball Operations at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.

School District Takes Action

The Long Beach Unified School District has confirmed that Vigil is no longer employed with the district, promptly distancing themselves from the troubling allegations. This step is significant as it reflects the seriousness with which such allegations are taken within educational institutions. It is essential for schools to provide a safe and supportive environment for students.

Community Encouragement to Speak Up

Given the gravity of the situation and the nature of the alleged offenses, police officials suspect that there may be additional unreported incidents. With a focus on ensuring justice and support for victims, they are actively encouraging anyone who may have experienced similar situations to step forward. The authorities are reaching out to the community to gather information and assist in unearthing the full scope of Vigil’s actions.

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