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Officials: Registered sex offender assists high school softball team

Colin Atagi • The Desert Sun • October 28, 2009

A registered sex offender is out on bail after surrendering to authorities following an investigation into his association with a local high school girls softball team.


Investigators have not found any evidence that La Quinta resident Ronald Nieto, 50, made inappropriate contact with any Palm Desert High School students.

He is, however, accused of committing several violations: Failing to disclose his sex offender status, working with minors as a registered sex offender and being on a school campus without permission from a school administrator, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff's deputies began investigating the suspect after receiving information from a local resident last week.

He is married to the softball team's coach, who other media outlets identify as Ashley Nieto.

Nieto turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest on Monday.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 3, according to the sheriff's department.

Desert Sands Unified School District officials are conducting an internal investigation into the incident.

Anyone with information may call Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP (7867).

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