Swim Coach Arrested on Statutory Rape Charges

A swim coach whose company teaches at three Mission Viejo high schools has admitted to four counts of sex with a 15-year-old student, said Lt. John Meyer of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Todd Sousa, 36, was arrested about 6 p.m. Thursday while he was coaching at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, Meyer said. At that time Sousa admitted to sex with the 15-year-old, the lieutenant said.

The 15-year-old contacted the Orange County Sheriff's Department Wednesday night to report that she had sex four times during the past several months with Sousa, her swim coach, Meyer said.

Meyer said that on Thursday the sex-crimes unit "conducted a covert telephone call with the victim and the suspect. The suspect admitted to the allegations."

Sousa and his wife own Swim Venture, a company that leases pool space from campuses for swim instruction. He is not directly employed by any of the schools, Meyer said.

According to Swim Venture's website, Sousa has been "recognized by the United States Swim School Association for his excellence in teaching and creativity in establishing innovative awards programs." He founded the company along with his wife, Jill, in 1994. It was originally named Shoreline Swim School. They teach at pools across South Orange County, including in Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch and Dana Point.

Sousa's company operates at Esperanza Elementary (25121 Pradera), Mission Viejo High School (25025 Chrisanta Dr.) and Trabuco Hills High School (27501 Mustang Run), according to the Swim Venture website.