SoCal school psychologist charged in child sex sting

Authorities say Paul Ryan Coleman thought he was meeting a 13-year-old, but it was an undercover operation.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 7:08am

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A 46-year-old school psychologist from Yucaipa, California has been arrested and charged with three counts related to child sex crimes after authorities say he arranged to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old child, but was actually an undercover investigator. Paul Ryan Coleman, who worked for the Nuview Union School District, resigned after the district learned of the charges against him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of adults seeking to exploit and sexually abuse minors, even those in positions of trust like school psychologists. It also raises questions about how quickly school districts should notify parents when staff members are accused of such serious crimes.

The details

Authorities say Coleman exchanged hundreds of sexually explicit messages with the undercover investigator he believed was a 13-year-old child. He now faces charges of attempted child molestation, arranging to meet a minor for sex, and attempting to meet with a minor for sexual gratification. Coleman pleaded not guilty to all charges.

  • On February 24, the Nuview Union School District placed Coleman on administrative leave after learning of the charges.
  • Coleman was arrested on March 17 following a three-month investigation by county authorities.
  • Coleman's next court hearing is scheduled for March 26.

The players

Paul Ryan Coleman

A 46-year-old school psychologist from Yucaipa, California who worked for the Nuview Union School District and has been charged with three counts related to child sex crimes.

Nuview Union School District

The school district where Coleman worked as a school psychologist before resigning after the charges against him were made public.

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What they’re saying

“We were shocked and disturbed by the news of the charges. Once we received information about the charges, we immediately placed Mr. Coleman on administrative leave.”

— Nuview Union School District

“Wow so this happened back on Feb 24th and parents are barely being notified. Hopefully parents talk to their children to see if [he] tried anything while he was supposedly helping kids in our district.”

— Nuevo Community Facebook group user

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 26 whether or not to allow Paul Ryan Coleman to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of thorough background checks and close monitoring of school staff, especially those in positions of trust like school psychologists, to protect vulnerable students from potential predators. It also highlights the need for transparent communication between school districts and parents when such serious allegations arise.