Long Beach
Police Department

Suspect Anthony Christopher Sota
(Click on photo to enlarge) 

The Long Beach Police Department arrested a travel softball coach in connection with the crime of contacting a minor for lewd acts and sending harmful matter to a minor, and detectives believe additional victims may exist.

The investigation began in October 2013 after it was reported to the police. The 14-year-old female victim was interviewed and it was learned that her travel softball coach sent her lewd text messages with the intent of meeting with the victim to carry out the lewd acts. As part of the investigation, detectives conducted numerous interviews.

After a thorough investigation, the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Anthony Christopher Sota of Anaheim, was arrested on November 26, 2013, in Long Beach. Sota, who has also used the last name of DeLaSota, was booked for two felony charges of contacting a minor with the intent to commit lewd acts and sending harmful matter to a minor. Sota is currently out on bail pending a future court appearance. Sota is not affiliated with any school athletic programs.

The investigation is ongoing and investigators believe, based on the level of contact between Sota and young girls, that additional victims may exist who have never contacted police. If you have been the victim of an unreported crime involving Sota, please contact Long Beach Police Sex Crimes Detective Sean Irving at (562) 570-7368. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.