Vista CA— Detectives from the Sheriff’s Child Abuse Unit arrested Vista High School Basketball Coach Charlie Mercado, age 36, for engaging in sexual conduct with a female student, a high school junior.
On May 11, 2016, a female student at Vista High School revealed to campus administration she was involved in an inappropriate relationship with Vista High School Basketball Coach Charlie Mercado. School Administration notified the Sheriff’s Department and an investigation was initiated.
During the investigation, detectives discovered that Mercado fostered an intimate relationship with the victim, and on one occasion met with her off campus where they engaged in inappropriate physical contact.
On July 13, 2016, a misdemeanor warrant (647.6 (a)(1) PC Annoy/Molest a Child under 18y/o) was issued for Mercado’s arrest. Mercado voluntarily surrendered to the Vista Detention Facility last night and posted $10,000 bail. He has a court date of August 25, 2016.
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