Case #17CF1017
Date: September 1, 2017
VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH SENTENCED TO NINE MONTHS IN JAIL FOR INITIATING 10-HOUR STANDOFF WITH POLICE AT EL MODENA HIGH SCHOOL
*Defendant also convicted of engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor student
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A varsity football coach was sentenced yesterday to nine months in county jail for initiating a 10-hour standoff with police and engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor student at El Modena High School (EMHS).
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Defendant |
Charges |
Sentence |
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Michael James Snitzler, 27, Santa Ana |
Pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, 2017, to: Felony
Misdemeanor
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Circumstances of the Case
- At the time of the crime, Snitzler was employed as an assistant varsity football coach at EMHS in Orange.
- In February 2017, the defendant met a 17-year-old minor student and communicated with the victim via text messages.
- In March 2017, the defendant engaged in a sexual relationship with the minor student.
- At approximately 10:45 a.m. on April 23, 2017, the defendant’s family member contacted Orange Police Department (OPD).
- Snitzler locked himself inside of an office at EMHS with a loaded firearm.
- The defendant was in a standoff with OPD for 10 hours before surrendering. OPD arrested the defendant at approximately 8:30 p.m.
- During OPD’s investigation, police discovered Snitzler’s relationship with the victim.
Prosecutor: Deputy District Attorney Raymund Diaz, Central Justice Center