Full Notification

In October 2025, the Simi Valley Police Department was notified by a mandated reporter of allegations involving an adult male suspected of engaging in sexual acts with two minor female victims. The suspect was later identified as Jabari DeShields, a 36-year-old resident of Simi Valley.

During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that DeShields was employed as an assistant walk-on basketball coach with the Simi Valley Unified School District (SVUSD). The investigation revealed that DeShields met the victims at a local business during non-school hours. One of the juvenile victims is enrolled with the SVUSD independent studies program.

The second juvenile victim is not a SVUSD student. The victims were enrolled in SVUSD at the time of the alleged conduct, but they were not attending the same school as the individual named in the allegation.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit immediately began a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. On the morning of November 6, 2025, DeShields was arrested by Major Crimes Detectives.

DeShields was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Main Jail on five (5) felony counts of Penal Code section 288(c)(1) — Lewd Acts Upon a Minor Aged 14. At this time, Detectives do not have information or evidence suggesting there are additional victims; however, anyone with information related to this case or about DeShields should contact Detective Kellyn King at (805) 583-6913.

Any media inquiries may be directed to Simi Valley Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Sergeant Rick Morton.