Police arrest former softball coach for alleged sex with a minor
Todd Lafferty picked up on $1 million arrest warrant
Arraignment is pending
By Nathan R. Huff
Los Gatos-Monte Sereno police arrested former Los Gatos High School girls softball coach Todd Lafferty Sept. 25 on charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and oral copulation with a minor.
The charges come following an investigation by LG-MSPD detective Randy Bishop that began in March, 2000. The investigation was initiated after the police received reports from Child Protective Services of possible misconduct by Lafferty. After the case was presented to the District Attorney's office for review, an arrest warrant for Lafferty and a search warrant for his residence were issued.
The 26-year-old Lafferty was arrested without incident at 7 a.m., Sept. 25, on a $1 million warrant. The search warrant of Lafferty's Union Avenue apartment was executed at the same time. LG-MSPD Sergeant Tim Morgan, Bishop's supervisor, said photographs of students at the school and greeting cards related to the alleged crimes were recovered.
Lafferty, a former West Valley Community College student and Westmont High School coach, worked as Los Gatos High School's girls softball coach during the 1998-99 school year.
According to Bishop, the alleged incidents took place over a four-month period in 1998 and 1999. The victim was a student at Los Gatos High School, but did not play for the softball team.
Los Gatos-Saratoga High School Superintendent Cynthia Ranii would not comment on the allegations, other than to confirm that Lafferty was employed by the district for the 1998-'99 school year. She said she was precluded from sharing any information regarding his departure from the school following the 1999 softball season.
Lafferty was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail with bail set at $1 million. An arraignment date is pending. Anyone with more information related to Lafferty's activities is asked to contact the LG-MSPD at 408.354.6825.
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
