Former Modesto Youth Soccer Coach Sentenced for Child Pornography Crimes

Matthew Paez received over 5 years in prison for possession of CSAM and soliciting minors online.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered smartphone screen reflecting a faint red light, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the crimes uncovered in this case.A shattered digital device reflects the harsh reality of a trusted youth coach's disturbing crimes.Turlock Today

A former youth soccer coach in Modesto, California has been sentenced to over 5 years in prison for possession of hundreds of images of child sexual assault material (CSAM) and using social media to solicit sex acts from children under 14. The 33-year-old coach, Matthew Paez, was arrested in 2025 after a cyber tip led police to discover the illicit content on his devices.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of child exploitation by trusted community figures and the importance of vigilant monitoring and reporting to protect vulnerable youth. While no local children were directly affected, the incident has shaken the Modesto soccer community and raised concerns about background checks and safeguards for youth programs.

The details

Police began investigating Paez in June 2025 after receiving a cyber tip that his devices were uploading CSAM. A search warrant uncovered over 600 CSAM images, and Paez admitted to having a problem with viewing the illegal content. Further investigation revealed he had also been using social media to contact and solicit sex acts from children under 14.

  • Turlock Police began investigating Paez in June 2025 after receiving a cyber tip.
  • Paez was arrested in July 2025.
  • Paez was sentenced on April 3, 2026 to 5 years and 8 months in prison.

The players

Matthew Paez

A 33-year-old former youth soccer coach in Modesto who was convicted of possessing hundreds of images of child sexual assault material and soliciting minors online.

Turlock Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated Paez and uncovered the illicit content on his devices.

Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial agency that secured the conviction and sentencing of Paez.

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What’s next

Paez will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust background checks, ongoing monitoring, and strict accountability measures for anyone working with children in community programs. It also emphasizes the vital role of the public in reporting suspicious online activity to protect the most vulnerable members of society.