Coach Accused Of Fleeing With Student After Police Say Teen's Family Discovered Alleged Relationship

PICO RIVERA (CBSLA.com) — A local high school coach was arrested in Nevada after police say he took off with a female student who is 15.

Juan Ivan Barajas, the athletic director at San Gabriel Mission High School, was taken into custody in Henderson, and faces charges in both California and Nevada, police said.

Barajas stands accused of fleeing with his underage companion after police say "their relationship was discovered by family members," the LAPD said in a news release.

The minor, according to police, was placed in a shelter while her mother was on her way to pick her up.

A former student of Barajas, however, posted a testimonial online about how the 36-year-old has changed young athletes' lives.

"Coach Ivan to a lot of people is looked at as a coach, as a mentor, as a recruiter, but also as someone who helps young men, particularly those who play football, helps them make their dreams come true," said Julian
Jenkins, a former student, in a YouTube clip.

Initially, the girl's family told CBS2 they thought the girl had been taken against her will. Police, however, have confirmed the teen went willingly.

Reporter Stacey Butler reached out to the girl's mother but has not yet heard back.

Meanwhile, police said Barajas was being charged on suspicion of unlawful sex with a minor.