Teacher, Coach Arrested For Sex Crimes Involving Student In SMC: Police

HALF MOON BAY, CA — A teacher and coach was arrested Thursday in Half Moon Bay on suspicion of sexually assaulting a former student when she was a minor, and investigators believe there could be additional victims, authorities said.

Paul A. Farnsworth, 61, of Half Moon Bay, was arrested at his home Aug. 13 and booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

He is a coach and teacher with the Cabrillo Unified School District, officials said.

Detectives began investigating Farnsworth in early August after a woman reported for the first time that he sexually assaulted her in 2008, when he was her coach, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The woman told investigators that about a year later, a sexual relationship began when she was 16 years old, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said she has been connected with community resources and support.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Farnsworth as part of the investigation.

Farnsworth was booked on suspicion of lewd or lascivious acts with a child 14 or 15 years old and sexual penetration by force, violence, duress, menace or fear, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Because of the nature of the suspected crimes, detectives said they believe there may be additional victims or others with information relevant to the investigation.

Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Farnsworth, including people who were minors at the time, to contact Detective Pitts at 650-363-4060 or npitts@smcgov.org. Anonymous tips can be submitted at 1-800-547-2700.