Following yesterday’s arraignment of an Orange Country baseball coach who allegedly sent sexually explicit text messages to two teenage boys, local authorizes are encouraging other potential victims, as well as anyone with more information about the pending investigation, to come forward.
Edwin Alan Wikstrom of Anaheim, a volunteer coach for Katella High School’s baseball team, was recently arrested and charged with two felony counts of distributing pornography to a minor after ‘sexting’ two underage players on the team. As Wikstrom was a fixture in the youth baseball community throughout the O.C. and Southern California for more than 30 years, local law enforcement agencies believe that he may have possibly preyed on other boys.
According to the Orange County District Attorney, Wikstrom was arrested on June 11 after one of the boys’ parents discovered an explicit text message and notified Anaheim authorities. Investigators stated he met the boys, ages 16 and 17, while coaching at Katella High School and sent sexually explicit text message multiple times between 2011 and 2013. Potential victims and others with more information are asked to contact local authorities.
Confidentiality & Support for Sexual Abuse Victims
This situation, yet again, serves to highlight just how imperceptible sexual abuse in public schools and sports can be to detect. The fact that the abuse was ongoing and occurred over a period of two years further attests to the overwhelming prevalence of sexual abuse underreporting. By working with compassionate California sexual abuse lawyers from The Senators Firms, victims of sexual abuse can obtain the genuine support and experienced representation they need to come forward.
As longtime advocates for victims’ rights, our legal team knows that sexual abuse victims face tremendous emotional turbulence and profound barriers when deciding whether they should come forward and make their story heard. As we have represented numerous victims and families throughout the years, we have become keenly tuned to their needs and always work to protect their rights, uphold their confidentiality, and personally guide them through these difficult experiences.
If you or someone you care about is a victim of sexual abuse, be aware that you do not have to navigate this tough, unfamiliar legal journey alone. Allow a member of our legal team to confidentially review your case, inform you about your rights, and explain precisely how we can help you obtain justice and compensation for the damages you and your loved ones suffered. Trust in an experienced legal team that has the resources, professional connections, and sincere commitment to fight back against sexual abuse. Contact a California sexual abuse attorney from The Senators Firm today.