A 44-year-old man who worked at an Orange County high school is accused of grooming a female student and carrying on a sexual relationship with her, authorities announced Wednesday.
In a news release, investigators with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Detail allege that Aliso Viejo resident Michael Joseph Duran had a sexual relationship with minor female victim between 2024 and 2025.
Investigators were notified of the alleged relationship in August by a mandated reporter who believed Duran was involved in an inappropriate relationship with the girl.
“The victim was subsequently contacted, and an investigation ensued,” the release stated. “The victim alleged that Duran, while working as a high school assistant basketball coach at Dana Hills High School, groomed and had and had a sexual relationship with her.”
Michael Joseph Duran, 44, of Aliso Viejo was arrested Aug. 13, 2025. (OCSD)
It was later learned that the 44-year-old was also involved as a basketball coach with a club in San Juan Capistrano known as SoCal Fins.
“Due to Duran’s position as a basketball coach of minor females, SVD investigators believe there may be additional victims,” authorities noted.
Dana Hills High School seen in this undated image from Google Maps.
It is currently unclear if Duran is still employed with Dana Hills High School or the basketball club in San Juan Capistrano.
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The 44-year-old was taken into custody Aug. 13 and booked at the Orange County Jail for oral copulation with a minor under the age of 18.
Anyone with information about this investigation or who believe they were victimized by Duran or know someone who was is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419 or 714-647-7000.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted to the Orange County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 855-TIP-OCCS or at www.ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.
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