Parlier basketball coach accused of having sexual relations with a minor faces judge for first time

PARLIER, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Parlier basketball coach accused of having sexual relations with a minor faced a judge for the first time Monday.

Francisco Pena isn't allowed on campus for now, but Action News has learned other staff members may be in trouble too.

Before he enters a plea Pena asked for more time Monday to hire a private attorney.

But outside court, Action News has learned two other Parlier High staff members have come up in the investigation. Detectives believe they did not act in the victim's best interest-- or within the law.

"They determined early on, that the reporting party had gone to other people to report the misconduct and we believe at least a couple of these people, who are mandated reporters, failed to report the sexual misconduct," said Jose Flores, Parlier Police Chief.

The Parlier Unified superintendent refused to answer questions about how many employees are on leave, or under investigation, relating to the Pena matter.

The 37-year-old was a walk-on coach at Parlier High, and most recently the head basketball coach. Once he was arrested for the felony crime he was placed on administrative leave.

ABC 30 legal analyst Tony Capozzi said it's unusual for other staff members to also face charges without being involved in the initial crime. The allegation could end in serious consequences.

"Criminally they could be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, which is a year in jail and a fine, that's a possibility. Another possibility, a very distinct possibility, is they could lose their job."

It's alleged the crime happened with one teenage girl at Pena's Parlier home.

After his arrest, he posted a $65,000 bond and was set free.

The district attorney will have the ultimate decision on whether charges are filed.

Pena will be back in court to enter a plea later this month.