A 64-year-old softball coach in Southern California has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, according to the Ontario Police Department.

Authorities identified the suspect as Michael Patrick Fitzgerald of Ontario. On January 7, police began investigating a report of sexual abuse involving a child and a family member. The victim, a 14-year-old girl, reported the incident to law enforcement officials.

Following the investigation, Fitzgerald was taken into custody and arrested on several felony charges involving lewd and lascivious acts with a minor. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center and is being held on $1 million bail.

Records indicate that Fitzgerald served as a coach for the Southern California Explosion, a youth softball club, and has coached various teams throughout Orange and San Bernardino counties in recent years. The 14-year-old victim was a member of one of the sports teams he coached.

Because of Fitzgerald’s access to young athletes through his coaching roles, investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Ontario Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Hernandez at 909-408-1867 or the department’s main line at 909-986-6711. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at wetip.com.

As with all criminal matters, the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Youth Sports Organizations and Institutional Oversight

Allegations of abuse by coaches, trainers, or other adults in positions of authority within youth sports programs often raise significant questions about the responsibilities of supervising organizations. In civil law, potential claims may be evaluated not only against an individual accused of misconduct, but also against sports clubs, leagues, or governing bodies whose hiring practices, supervision protocols, background screening procedures, or response to complaints may have contributed to a risk of harm.

Youth sports organizations have a duty to maintain safe environments for the children entrusted to their care. This includes implementing comprehensive background checks for coaches and staff, establishing clear policies for one-on-one interactions between adults and minors, providing abuse prevention training, and creating accessible reporting channels for concerns or allegations. When these safeguards are absent, delayed, or inadequately enforced, organizations may face scrutiny in civil proceedings.

In California, laws such as the Child Victims Act provide extended timeframes for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims, recognizing that many survivors require years before they are ready to come forward. These claims may proceed independently of criminal charges, and potential legal theories can include negligent hiring, negligent supervision, failure to implement adequate safety policies, and failure to respond appropriately to warning signs or prior complaints.

Recognizing Warning Signs in Youth Sports Settings

Parents and families who entrust their children to coaches and youth sports programs deserve confidence that appropriate safeguards are in place. Warning signs that may warrant closer attention include coaches who insist on private, unsupervised contact with individual athletes, adults who show favoritism toward specific children, boundary violations such as inappropriate physical contact or personal communications, and organizations that lack clear policies around adult-child interactions or fail to respond seriously to concerns raised by parents or participants.

While most coaches and youth sports professionals are dedicated to supporting young athletes in positive, appropriate ways, institutional vigilance remains essential. Families should feel empowered to ask questions about background screening processes, supervision protocols, and how organizations handle reports of concerning behavior.

Easton & Easton’s Commitment to Supporting Survivors

At Easton & Easton, we are deeply committed to supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, particularly in cases involving youth sports organizations, community programs, and other environments where children are placed in the care of trusted adults. We understand that survivors and their families often face profound emotional challenges, including feelings of betrayal when abuse occurs in settings that were meant to foster growth, confidence, and teamwork.

Our approach emphasizes compassionate, trauma-informed advocacy combined with thorough investigation of institutional practices and policies. We recognize that legal accountability is only one aspect of a survivor’s healing journey, and we work to connect clients with therapeutic professionals, victim-support services, and community resources that can provide ongoing support beyond the legal process.

Attorney Saul Wolf has extensive experience handling civil claims related to institutional abuse across a wide range of settings, including church entities such as the Roman Catholic Church, private schools and public school districts including Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), youth-serving organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs, and youth sports organizations and national governing bodies including USA Water Polo and USA Cheer.

Easton & Easton remains dedicated to helping survivors seek accountability, clarity, and justice while advocating for stronger protections and oversight within youth sports programs and other institutions that serve children throughout Orange County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and across California.

If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse in a youth sports setting or other institutional environment, contact Easton & Easton for a confidential consultation. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.