Authorities arrested Gary Larson, 67, of Camarillo, in February 2025 after uncovering multiple offenses involving minors.
Larson, a local tennis instructor and youth soccer coach, now faces serious felony charges: arranging to meet a minor for sex, communicating with a minor to commit a sexual offense, and possession and distribution of child pornography.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that on February 8, 2025, deputies responded to a call at the Target store on Teller Road in Newbury Park.
There, they encountered Larson being confronted by members of Predator Poachers, a Texas-based civilian group known for conducting sting operations on suspected child predators.
The group claimed Larson had been communicating online with a decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl.
After speaking with deputies, Larson admitted to sexually explicit conversations with underage girls.
He also acknowledged sending explicit photos to one of them. Following this initial contact, the Ventura County Sheriff’s East County Major Crimes Sexual Assault Unit launched an intensive investigation.
Investigators found evidence that Larson possessed child sexual abuse material, was active in multiple online group chats, and had shared illicit images and videos involving children.
The charges brought against him include:
- PC 288.3(a): Communicating with a Minor to Commit a Sexual Offense
- PC 288.4(b): Arranging a Meeting with a Minor for Lewd Acts
- PC 311.11(a): Possession of Child Pornography
- PC 311.1(a): Distribution of Child Pornography
Larson was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and posted a \$100,000 bail on February 11, 2025.
Later that month, a 12-year-old girl and her mother filed a report at the Thousand Oaks Police Station.
The child had been receiving tennis lessons from Larson for over a year. According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe Larson was grooming the girl — establishing emotional trust with the intent of future abuse.
These allegations further support law enforcement’s belief that additional survivors may come forward. The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Nicole Adrianzen at 805-494-8229 or via [email protected]. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Larson’s Arrest Raises Alarms In Camarillo As Investigators Review His Work With Juvenile Athletes
Larson advertised “tennis lessons for juveniles” on Craigslist and worked privately with young athletes.
He also coached youth soccer in the Camarillo area. His coaching history and access to children now raise concerns about the extent of his contact with minors.
Authorities are currently reviewing his coaching records and digital communications to determine if other children were victimized.
The arrest sent shockwaves through Camarillo, particularly among parents and sports organizations.
As of May 21, 2025, Larson’s professional affiliations have likely been scrubbed from public directories, and there are no public updates on his court proceedings.
Access to Ventura County Superior Court records requires registration, limiting public visibility into their legal status.
Gary Larson’s arrest highlights how predators may use positions of trust to gain access to minors.
While he remains out on bail, the investigation is active and expanding. Authorities are focused on identifying any other potential victims and holding Larson fully accountable.
Law enforcement urges the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior related to minors, especially in community and recreational programs.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He was identified during a sting operation conducted by an organization called “Predator Poachers” based out of Texas.
- The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office believed he was grooming the 12-year-old girl who had been taking tennis lessons from him.
- Attempts to find information about his professional coaching affiliations (such as with local clubs like Channel Islands Racquet Club) were unsuccessful, likely due to the removal of his information following the arrest.
