Goleta, CA – A deeply concerning case has emerged in Goleta, where Shaun Donald Hertlein, a 42-year-old pastor and high school coach, was arrested on May 9, 2025, for alleged felony sex crimes involving minors. 

Details of the Arrest in Goleta

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Hertlein after serving a warrant, following an investigation that began in April 2025. He faces serious charges, including sending sexual images to a minor, communicating with a minor with the intent to commit specific crimes, and possession of obscene images of a child. Hertlein is currently in custody with a bail set at $500,000.
Hertlein worked with children at South Coast Church on Cathedral Oaks Road in Goleta and was also an assistant coach at Dos Pueblos High School, as confirmed by Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. Social media posts further link him to the Santa Barbara Fellowship of Christian Athletes, raising concerns about his access to minors in multiple roles.

Authorities Seek Additional Survivors in Santa Barbara County

This arrest marks the third such case in Goleta this year involving alleged sex crimes against minors, following the arrests of Martin Efrain Barajas and Adam Escarcega in March. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be more survivors and is urging anyone with information to contact Detective F. Arnoldi at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 805-681-4171 or visiting the Sheriff’s Office website. At Easton & Easton, we understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we’re here to provide the legal guidance you might need.

Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse in Goleta

Sexual abuse by trusted authority figures, such as pastors and coaches, can have a profound impact on survivors, causing lasting emotional and psychological harm. As personal injury attorneys in Santa Barbara County, we’ve seen how these cases often involve not only the abuser but also institutions—like churches or schools—that may have failed to protect children through inadequate oversight or ignored warning signs.
Survivors may be eligible to pursue civil lawsuits to seek compensation for therapy, medical expenses, and the pain and suffering they’ve endured. California’s recent reforms to statutes of limitations also provide expanded opportunities for survivors to seek justice, even in older cases. 

Advocating for Survivors

At Easton & Easton, we have a strong track record of advocating for survivors of sexual abuse throughout Santa Barbara County. We understand the emotional challenges of coming forward, including fear and shame, and we’re committed to handling your case with compassion and discretion. Our attorneys work tirelessly to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable, while also connecting clients with support resources like counseling and advocacy services to aid in their healing.

The news highlighted on this page speaks to the importance of uncovering the truth and holding responsible parties accountable in cases of child sexual abuse.

Saul Wolf at Easton & Easton brings years of focused experience in this complex area of law, having secured significant outcomes in the sum of six, seven and eight figures in high-profile cases against institutions such as Church Entities (including the Roman Catholic Church), Private Schools and Public School Districts (including LAUSD), Youth Servicing Organizations (including Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs) Youth Sports Organizations and National Governing Bodies (including USA Water Polo, and USA Cheer). His ongoing work is driven by a commitment to seeking justice for those whose lives have been impacted by these devastating betrayals of trust.

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