Menifee Girls HS Basketball Coach Arrested For Sexual Relationship With Minor

MURRIETA (CBSLA.com) — A 23-year-old high school basketball coach Thursday was facing criminal charges after she allegedly had a sexual relationship with a minor.

Lauren Matheney, of Perris, was arrested Wednesday on charges of oral copulation with a minor and annoying or molesting a minor, according to the Murrieta Police Department.

An investigation into Matheney began on Jan. 21 after a patrol officer noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near the intersection of Keller and Menifee roads and found the suspect inside with a 15-year-old child.

"Further investigation revealed Ms. Matheney was a coach employed by Perris Union High School District and working as the JV Basketball Coach at Paloma Valley High School," Lt. Tony Conrad said.

The school district was notified of the relationship the next day and suspended Matheney from her coaching duties.

"Simultaneously, parents who have students on the basketball team were made aware of the situation. Now that Matheney has been arrested, she has been terminated from her coaching position."

Matheney, who graduated from PVHS in 2008, was hired by the district in Aug. of 2013.

Matheney is free on $25,000 bail and was scheduled to appear in court Friday morning.

Detectives say there may be additional victims. Anyone with information should contact Lt. Conrad at (951) 461-6309.