SJPD Arrested an Assistant Coach for Sending Harmful Matter & Child Annoying

San Jose, Calif. - The San Jose Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) / Child Exploitation Detail (CED) task force arrested suspect Michael Leon Samifua for two counts of Sending Harmful Matter to a Minor (felony) - Penal Code 288.2(a)(2) and Annoy or Molest a Child (misdemeanor) - Penal Code 647.6(a).

The investigation revealed suspect Samifua was an Assistant Coach at Yerba Buena High School in San Jose. Samifua befriended children from Yerba Buena High School and started communicating with them on social media platform — Instagram.

Samifua then sent private messages to the children on the messaging application — Snapchat. Between December 2019 and February 2020, Samifua communicated with the two female victims on Snapchat. Samifua told the victims about his sexual experiences and asked them if they were sexually active. Samifua also sent each victim unsolicited images of his genitals. The victims reported the incidents to Yerba Buena High School staff who notified the San Jose Police Department

On March 24, 2020, detectives obtained an arrest warrant. On Thursday, April 2, 2020, Samifua self-surrendered at the Santa Clara County Jail where he was booked on the above charges.

Through the investigation, it was learned that Michael Samifua targeted female minors in the San Jose area and we have reason to believe there are additional victims.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or any other similar incidents is urged to contact Detective Michael O’Grady of the San Jose Police Department's ICAC/CED Unit at 408-537-1397.

Persons wishing to remain anonymous may either call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, (408) 947-STOP (7867), or click the "Submit a Tip" link below. Persons providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect may be eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers.