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Cal Poly Instructor Arrested for Contacting Minor for Sexual Purposes
Former high school teacher charged with multiple sex crimes against children
Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:53pm
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A 38-year-old Cal Poly instructor and former high school teacher in San Luis Obispo, California has been arrested on multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of children, including contacting a minor with the intent to have sex and arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual purposes. Detectives executed search warrants at the suspect's home, vehicle, and workplace as part of the investigation.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to proactively target those who victimize vulnerable members of the community, especially children. The arrest of an educator in a position of trust raises serious concerns about potential abuse of power and the need for thorough background checks and monitoring of school personnel.
The details
Kevin Coulombe, a 38-year-old San Luis Obispo resident, was arrested on February 18, 2026 as part of an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children. Detectives served search warrants at Coulombe's home, vehicle, and at Cal Poly, where he is employed as an Instructional Support Technician in the Physics Department. Coulombe previously worked as a teacher at San Luis Obispo High School and Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, California.
- On February 18, 2026, detectives served search warrants and arrested Coulombe.
- Coulombe previously worked as a teacher at San Luis Obispo High School and Menlo-Atherton High School.
The players
Kevin Coulombe
A 38-year-old San Luis Obispo resident who was arrested on multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of children. He is currently employed as an Instructional Support Technician in the Physics Department at Cal Poly and previously worked as a teacher at San Luis Obispo High School and Menlo-Atherton High School.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and made the arrest of Coulombe.
Cal Poly
The university where Coulombe is currently employed as an Instructional Support Technician in the Physics Department.
What they’re saying
“This investigation is part of the Sheriff's Office's continued effort to serve and protect San Luis Obispo County and to proactively target those who victimize the most vulnerable members of our community.”
— San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office
What’s next
The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Detective Division.
The takeaway
This arrest highlights the critical importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of school personnel to protect vulnerable children from potential abuse. It also underscores the need for vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement, educational institutions, and the community to identify and stop the sexual exploitation of minors.
