Water polo coach arrested in teen sex scandal – redlands school district involved

Published on 30/04/2026 12:00 in sports • Joe Depaolo

A Redlands Unified School District water polo coach is facing serious charges after allegedly engaging in sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old girl. The arrest marks a disturbing development within the local school system.

Luke anthony quintana, 21, was taken into custody wednesday following a police investigation that began with a report from the victim.</p><p>redlands police department officers apprehended quintana after pulling him over in redlands. the charges include unlawful sexual intercourse, sexual penetration with a foreign object, and oral copulation with a minor. these allegations represent a profound breach of trust and demand a thorough investigation.</p><p>according to police records, the initial contact between quintana and the victim occurred in october 2025 at a citrus valley high school water polo match. communication escalated to social media, and ultimately, a meeting took place off-campus in february 2026, where the alleged sexual encounter occurred. the victim reported the incident to authorities in march.</p><h2>the rusd’s response: cooperative investigation

Luke anthony quintana, 21, was taken into custody wednesday following a police investigation that began with a report from the victim.

redlands police department officers apprehended quintana after pulling him over in redlands. the charges include unlawful sexual intercourse, sexual penetration with a foreign object, and oral copulation with a minor. these allegations represent a profound breach of trust and demand a thorough investigation.

according to police records, the initial contact between quintana and the victim occurred in october 2025 at a citrus valley high school water polo match. communication escalated to social media, and ultimately, a meeting took place off-campus in february 2026, where the alleged sexual encounter occurred. the victim reported the incident to authorities in march.

the rusd’s response: cooperative investigation

School officials have reportedly been cooperative with the Special Victims Unit’s probe, a detail that, while pragmatic, doesn't negate the severity of the situation. It’s a stark reminder that even within seemingly well-ordered institutions, vulnerabilities can exist – and that vigilance is paramount.

“The suspect had worked until recently as a water polo coach for the Redlands Unified School District,” the Redlands PD release stated. This connection underscores the potential for harm within environments where young people are vulnerable. Authorities are urging anyone with further information to contact Detective L. Shearer at [email protected] or the department at 909-798-7659. This case serves as a chilling example of the lengths to which predators will go, exploiting positions of trust for their own nefarious purposes.