A Hoover High School soccer coach has been arrested for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.

Detectives with the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations booked Miguel Lara, 38, into the Fresno County Jail on Thursday following an investigation.

Lara was taken into custody at an apartment complex on North Backer Avenue in northeast Fresno. Authorities seized his electronic devices for further analysis.

At the time of his arrest, Lara was serving as the interim coach of the boys’ soccer team at Hoover.

Fresno Unified School District has been notified, authorities said.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said Miguel Lara was released Thursday evening after posting $20,000 bail.

His court date is scheduled for Aug. 7.

Fresno Unified Shares a Statement

The Fresno Unified School District issued the following statement, “Fresno Unified is aware of the recent arrest of Miguel Lara, who was serving as interim boys’ soccer coach at Hoover High School at the time of the arrest. The allegations are deeply troubling. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students. We urge families to talk to their children and report any inappropriate activities or behaviors to a trusted adult at school. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jovan Tamayo at (559) 761-3659.” 

Got a Tip?

Given Lara’s position working with minors, investigators are asking anyone with information about the case or potential victims to contact detective Jovan Tamayo at (559) 761-3659.

Anonymous tips may be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org.

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