Former Cerritos College athlete, and assistant coach, has plead not guilty in connection to the sexual assault of three underage females.

According to a press release drafted by the Orange County District Attorney’s office, “Joshua Christopher Owens, 23, La Palma, [Tuesday, Jan. 6] was charged with one felony count of oral copulation of a minor under 16, one felony count of digital penetration of a minor, and six misdemeanor counts of child annoyance.”

The Buena Park Police Department first became aware of the crime in early November when a student, and member of the water polo team, at Kennedy High School in La Palma disclosed to faculty members of the assault.

Officers began their investigation and soon after arrested Owens on Nov 21, 2016.

During the time of the assaults, Owens was employed at Kennedy as the women’s water polo and swim coach, between 2014-2016. Simultaneously, he was student and later an assistant coach at Cerritos College.

The victims of the assaults identities are not being released at this time but it is during his time at Kennedy that he met the girls.

Former Cerritos College water polo athlete who knew Owens personally was very surprised by the news of his arrest.

She said, “His family is very strict and very religious. They are super into water polo and swimming.”

She added that what made it even more shocking was that he talked about his player in such high regard like they were family.

“Looking back, in that context and the way he spoke, it is a little weird,” she finished.

Owens is now out on bail and has had an order of protection placed on him. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Wednesday, Feb. 15 for Pre-trial dispositions.