Cal Poly Employee Arrested for Alleged Sexual Exploitation of Minor

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A 38-year-old Cal Poly employee named Kevin Coulombe was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, including contacting a minor with the intent to have sex and arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual purposes. Search warrants were executed at Coulombe's residence, vehicle, and the Cal Poly campus where he works as an instructional support technician in the physics department.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the safety of minors and the need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of employees who work with or around children, especially in educational settings. It also highlights the importance of reporting suspicious behavior to authorities to prevent further exploitation.

The details

According to the news release, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department arrested Coulombe as part of an ongoing investigation into the sexual exploitation of children. Search warrants were executed at Coulombe's home, vehicle, and the Cal Poly campus where he works. Prior to his role at Cal Poly, Coulombe was previously employed as a teacher at both San Luis Obispo High School and Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, California.

• Coulombe was arrested on Wednesday, February 21, 2026.

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Coulombe at a hearing scheduled for next week.