A high school assistant basketball coach in Orange County was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 13 on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a minor, authorities said.
Michael Joseph Duran, 44, of Aliso Viejo, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a girl while working as an assistant basketball coach at Dana Hills High School, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said.
Investigators were contacted earlier this month by a mandated reporter who suspected an inappropriate relationship between Duran and the teen, the department said. After interviewing the victim, investigators said they learned Duran allegedly groomed her and engaged in sexual acts with her in 2024 and this year.
Duran was booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of sexual activity with a minor.
Investigators also discovered Duran is involved as a coach with SOCAL FINS, a basketball club in San Juan Capistrano.
Because of his position coaching girls’ basketball, authorities believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information was asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419 or 714-647-7000, or submit anonymous tips to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS or ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers