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Orange County Cheer Coach Gets 174 Years to Life for Molesting 10 Girls

Prosecutors say he exploited trusted coaching roles to target girls over decades.

Overview

  • Erick Joseph Kristianson was sentenced in Orange County to 174 years and four months to life in prison for abusing 10 girls over more than 20 years.
  • Judge Kevin Haskins ordered lifetime sex‑offender registration and credited Kristianson with 1,622 days already served.
  • Jurors in December 2025 convicted him on 23 felonies, including lewd acts and sexual penetration of minors, with enhancements for multiple victims and substantial sexual conduct.
  • Prosecutors said he groomed victims through a competitive cheer club, Trabuco Hills High School, and a YMCA sleep‑away camp.
  • Related charges in Florida are still pending, after a 2022 arrest there and a 2023 arrest in Fargo that led to his extradition to California.