| For Immediate Release November 20th, 2003 |
Contact: | Susan Schroeder (714) 347-8405 |
FORMER HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACH CHARGED WITH STATUTORY RAPE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FACES ADDITIONAL CHARGES
Santa Ana- A former Canyon High School girls basketball coach has been arrested and charged with having sex with one of his players. Michael Anthony Watson, 40, of Orange was arraigned on Tuesday, November 18, 2003, on two counts of felony unlawful sexual intercourse and one count of misdemeanor domestic violence battery. Based on a continuing investigation by the Orange Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will be amending the complaint and adding additional felony charges. The amended complaint will be filed on Monday, November 24, 2003, in Superior Court at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
The alleged sexual encounters between Watson and the under aged girl occurred on or about February 1, 2002, through October 20, 2003. Watson no longer works for the Orange Unified School District. His contract to coach the girls varsity basketball team at Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills was not renewed at the end of the 2002-2003 season.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating any additional victims or persons who may have information pertinent to the case. You can contact the District Attorney’s Office at 714-347-8579.