Modesto youth soccer coach arrested on child porn charges, Turlock police say
A Modesto youth soccer coach is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he possessed and shared videos depicting children engaged in sexual conduct.
Matthew Ryan Paez, 33, was arrested Monday morning at his Turlock home following a cyber-tip received by the Turlock Police Department from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Detectives traced the material to an internet-based platform and identified Paez as the person responsible, according to the Turlock Police Department.
Paez, who coached the U12 boys and U16 girls teams for MYSA Ajax United, was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on July 21. He remained in custody as of Wednesday and faces five felony counts, including possession of child sexual abuse material and distribution of obscene material involving a minor.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Paez is accused of uploading four explicit videos to the messaging app Kik between May 16 and July 21. The videos allegedly depict minors under 18 engaging in or simulating sexual conduct. If convicted, Paez would be required to register as a sex offender under California Penal Code Section 290 and would not be eligible for a county jail sentence.
Turlock Police confirmed that several electronic devices were seized from Paez’s residence and are undergoing forensic analysis for additional evidence. Investigators said no local children or players have been identified as victims, but the case remains open.
“The organization was notified immediately following the arrest,” police said in the release. “At this time, investigators have found no evidence indicating that any players or local children were directly affected.”
MYSA Ajax United has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Bee.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Detective Giovacchini at 209-668-6539 or the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550, extension 6780. Tips also can be emailed to tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
This story was originally published July 23, 2025 at 3:05 PM.
