Oregon’s high school and college wrestling community is shocked by a serious betrayal.
David Rubio, a 24-year-old former standout wrestler from Corban University in Salem, has been charged with serious crimes involving the attempted exploitation of a minor.
On August 28, 2025, a Columbia County Grand Jury indicted him for attempted use of a child in the display of sexually explicit content, luring a minor, and attempted encouragement of child sexual abuse in the second degree.
What makes this story so gut-wrenching is Rubio’s background as a coach and mentor to young athletes, a role that gave him trusted access to kids across the region.
Rubio’s Journey to the Mat Started Far From the Bright Lights of Championship Bouts
Born in Compton, California, he faced early hardship when his father was deported at just eight years old.
The family moved to Salem, where Rubio found solace and purpose in wrestling during his freshman year at McKay High School.
There, he quickly came to fame, becoming a district and state champion for the Scots.
He earned two-time state placer honors and even claimed junior freestyle All-American status in the summer.
Those achievements opened doors to Corban University, where Rubio became the program’s first-ever recruit. His college career was nothing short of legendary.
In 2023, he reached the NAIA national finals as a runner-up at 157 pounds, marking the first time a Warrior had advanced that far. But Rubio saved his best for last.
As a redshirt senior in the 2024-25 season, he captured the NAIA national championship, Corban’s first in program history, and was named the Cascade Collegiate Conference Wrestler of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year.
Faith played a big role in his story, too; Rubio often spoke about wrestling “with God” after early struggles on the mat without it. By all accounts, he was a beacon of perseverance for aspiring wrestlers.
That Image Shattered on a Routine Trip to the Scappoose Police Department
Authorities allege that Rubio, while coaching at a wrestling clinic, tried to solicit sexually explicit photos from a minor athlete he met there.
The incident sparked a swift investigation.
Detectives served a search warrant on Rubio’s Instagram accounts, uncovering evidence that they forwarded straight to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.
From there, the case proceeded before the grand jury, resulting in an indictment just weeks ago.
On September 16, 2025, three days prior to this writing, the Salem Police arrested Rubio and booked him into the Marion County Jail under case number 25-071721.
The fallout has rippled through schools and families. Rubio’s coaching gigs, including clinics hosted by Wrestling USA, put him in contact with kids statewide.
At Hudson Park Elementary in Rainier, where he led a session, the school district wasted no time responding.
They sent an update to Rainier families, clarifying that Rubio was never a district employee and that no confirmed victims are Rainier students.
Importantly, no incidents happened on campus. Still, the school notified any families whose kids might have crossed paths with him.
They’re offering crisis support, sharing hotlines for concerns, and recommitting to student safety while fully cooperating with law enforcement. “Our priority is always the well-being of our students,” the message showed.
Investigators worry this isn’t the end of the story. Rubio’s travels for clinics and camps spanned Oregon and Washington, raising concerns about potential additional victims.
Scappoose Police released his booking photo under Oregon law (ORS 133.870) to help identify any additional crimes.
They’re urging the public to call Officer Johnson at 503-397-1521, referencing case number 250039093, if they have tips.
The department thanked partners at the Columbia County DA’s Office and Salem Police for their teamwork in cracking the case.
And in a sobering reminder, they stressed that Rubio, like all suspects, remains innocent until proven guilty in a court.
The wrestling community, in particular, is grappling with raw anger and disbelief.
The Wrestling Community is Filled with Anger and Disbelief
Coaches who once praised Rubio’s skills now fear violating the rules.
Matt Hendricks, a fellow coach, posted a raw reaction online:
“My worst nightmare as a coach. Thank god the parents of the victim stepped up and helped catch this guy! This is a level of betrayal that I will not forgive or forget. I’ve had David run clinics for us the last couple years and never would have thought this would happen. I’m at a loss of words. I’ve already contacted my parents and athletes but any parents, coaches, or athletes who have attended a clinic with him and have any information need to come forward!! The only way we stop predators like this is by speaking up!! I can assure you that we NEVER leave children unattended in our room and parents are always welcome to sit in on practices or clinics. This guy has been at clinics and camps all over Oregon and Washington so please speak up if you have any information.”
Via Facebook
Parents’ reaction is a mix of pride and fear. Jasmine Lyn shared:
“Proud of the wrestler that reported him, proud of law enforcement, but disgusted that this is becoming so prolific. Frightening time to be a parent.”
Via Facebook
Her words capture the broader unease how predators can hide behind trusted roles, making vigilance more crucial than ever.
As the investigation is ongoing, this case serves as a stark wake-up call. It highlights the courage of one young athlete who spoke up and the diligence of the police who acted fast.
For now, Rubio sits in jail, his championship legacy tainted by these grave accusations. The community waits for justice, hoping more voices will join in to protect the innocent.
