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Erick Joseph Kristianson, a 44-year-old former competitive cheerleading coach, stands accused of molesting young girls, some as young as 11 years old, in Southern California.
Moreover, he's also facing similar allegations in Florida. These unsettling revelations were brought to light by prosecutors on Wednesday. Kristianson, who currently resides in Antioch, Tennessee, was taken into custody last week in Fargo, North Dakota, on the strength of a warrant. Following his arrest, he was extradited back to California, where he's now held without bail, as per the Orange County Sheriff's Department website.
His legal representation remains unclear at this point, with inquiries about his counsel left unanswered by the DA's office.
In California, Kristianson's alleged victims were girls aged between 11 and 16. His interaction with these minors occurred during his coaching tenure at the Magic All-Stars club and as an assistant cheer coach at Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo in the 2000s. Currently, he faces 16 felony charges, including committing lewd acts on a child. If found guilty on all counts, Kristianson could potentially receive a life sentence.
"This was not a predator hiding in the shadows waiting to grab innocent girls. He was hiding in plain sight as he assaulted girl after girl, thinking he would never be caught because they trusted him as a coach,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer commented.
Meanwhile, in Florida, Kristianson faces charges of child exhibition and molestation. The allegations involve a disturbing FaceTime call where he reportedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of three girls, aged 11 to 13, whom he had previously coached in Daytona Beach. Additionally, he's accused of fondling a 13-year-old girl on a separate occasion.
Previously arrested in Kansas on a warrant and extradited to Florida, Kristianson was subsequently released after posting bond.
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