A Trusted Role Turns Under Scrutiny (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Riverside County – A licensed school psychologist from Yucaipa traveled to the city expecting an encounter with a 13-year-old child. Instead, authorities arrested him as part of a carefully orchestrated online sting operation.[1][2] The three-month probe exposed a pattern of disturbing communications that led to felony charges against the educator.
A Trusted Role Turns Under Scrutiny
Paul Ryan Coleman, 46, held a position of significant trust within the education system. He worked as a school psychologist for the Nuview Union School District and Nuview Bridge Early College High School in Nuevo.[1] In this role, he supported students’ mental health and well-being, a responsibility that now stands in stark contrast to the allegations leveled against him.
The Riverside County Child Exploitation Team initiated the investigation after Coleman reached out online to someone posing as a minor. Over several months, the exchanges escalated, revealing intentions far removed from his professional duties. Authorities monitored the interactions closely, building a case methodically before moving in.
The Sting Operation Takes Shape
Coleman exchanged hundreds of sexually explicit messages with the undercover investigator pretending to be a 13-year-old child. The communications painted a clear picture of his plans, according to investigators.[3] He arranged a meeting in the City of Riverside, leaving his Yucaipa residence on March 12 to make the trip…