Modesto youth soccer coach has first court hearing on child porn charges
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Judge imposed strict release terms after discovery of more than 100 illicit videos.
- Paez pleaded not guilty to five felony counts; next hearing set for Sept. 12.
- Soccer club suspended Paez and launched internal background review.
A Stanislaus County judge on Friday imposed strict release conditions on a Modesto youth soccer coach accused of possessing and distributing child pornography — after prosecutors revealed investigators had already uncovered more than 100 explicit videos involving children, with many more potentially still under review.
Matthew Paez, 33, of Turlock, appeared in Stanislaus Superior Court on July 25 for a bail review hearing, four days after his arrest and one day after posting a $50,000 bond. He is charged with five felony counts, including possession and distribution of child pornography.
A public defender had initially been appointed, but private attorney Joseph McPeak formally substituted in. Attorney Ryan Stivers appeared on McPeak’s behalf during the hearing.
Before court began, Paez sat alone in the last row of the courtroom gallery. When his case was called, he rose and walked slowly to the front wearing dark sunglasses and a blazer with the collar turned up. He kept his head down and did not speak.
Paez pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied a special allegation newly added to the complaint — that he possessed more than 600 images of prepubescent children under the age of 12.
As Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa described the evidence found so far, Paez began to cry.
Sousa told the court that Turlock police had discovered at least 125 videos of child pornography on a single electronic device seized from Paez’s home. Several other devices remain under forensic review. Sousa also said law enforcement found that minors had sent sexually explicit videos to Paez via Snapchat.
“It’s more of the same as the first amended complaint,” Judge Carrie Stephens said of the updated charges, “but it adds the special allegation.”
Although Paez had already posted bond, Judge Stephens ordered a series of additional release conditions aimed at protecting public safety.
He is now barred from being within 100 yards of minors or any location where children commonly gather — including schools, parks, libraries and playgrounds. He is also prohibited from coaching or participating in youth activities of any kind.
Additionally, all of Paez’s devices are subject to search by law enforcement at any time, without the need for a warrant or probable cause. The judge said she was inclined to issue a broader device ban but would reserve that decision for a later hearing.
“You are ordered not to be in the company of any minor — no minor children you can be around, no coaching,” the judge told Paez. “Anything you can think of where children congregate — you’re prohibited.”
After the hearing, Stivers declined to comment, and Paez did not respond to questions from The Bee.
Court records show Paez was released after posting bond on July 24. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 12 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 4. He waived his right to a speedy hearing, which typically occurs within 10 court days or 60 calendar days of arraignment.
Youth soccer club responds to Paez’s arrest
In a statement to The Bee, MYSA Ajax United said it was notified of Paez’s arrest by Turlock police on the morning of Monday, July 22. Within an hour of that notification, the club said Paez was suspended from all coaching duties, had his access to club platforms revoked, and was prohibited from contacting players, families or staff.
“Our leadership team promptly sent a direct communication to the parents of players under Mr. Paez’s supervision within 24 hours,” said Marcus Raposas, director of coaching for the soccer club. “We also began organizing in-person meetings with the affected teams to provide transparency, support and guidance.”
The club has launched an internal review of Paez’s application, background checks and coaching history, and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. A separate investigation by U.S. Club Soccer is also pending.
A public statement was distributed to more than 1,000 Ajax families and 30 coaches, according to Raposas, outlining the club’s actions and available counseling resources. Private meetings with impacted teams are ongoing.
“We are heartbroken by this incident and fully understand the gravity of the situation,” Raposas said. “We remain committed to supporting our community and to cooperating with law enforcement to the fullest extent.”
Paez, a longtime coach with Ajax United, was arrested July 21 after a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was referred to Turlock police. Authorities have said no local children have been identified as victims at this time.
This story was originally published July 25, 2025 at 11:43 AM.
