FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

During the month of June 2015, the Novato Police Department began an investigation into an alleged sexual relationship between Steven Deschler, a track and field coach at Novato High School, and a recent 17 year old female graduate from Novato High School. The mother of the victim found evidence on the victim’s phone of a sexual relationship between her daughter and Mr. Deschler. The mother then contacted authorities at the Novato Police Department. After learning the sexual acts occurred in the jurisdiction of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation was turned over to the Sheriff’s Office.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Mr. Deschler and the victim have known each other for about four years and their sexual relationship started in April of 2015. On July 2, 2015 at about 11:25PM, Mr. Deschler was taken into custody at the Oakland International Airport as he departed an airplane on a return flight from Hawaii. Detectives served search warrants at Mr. Deschler’s residence in Novato, Ca and at the Novato High School. Also, an emergency protective order was granted by a judge and served on Mr. Deschler protecting the victim from any further contact from Mr. Deschler.

Mr. Steven Deschler, 64 years old, was booked into the Marin County Jail on the listed charges and his bail was set $100,000:

• 288a PC - oral copulation with a minor 
• 289h PC - sexual penetration of a minor 
• 288.3 PC - communicating with a minor with intent to commit a specified sex offense 
• 288.4(b) PC - arranging a meeting and then meeting with a minor for the purpose of engaging in lewd and lascivious conduct

At this time, the Sheriff’s Office is not aware of any other potential victims. Anyone with information regarding this case or those who believe they may be a victim are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 415-473-7265.

Persons wishing to give crime tips are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 415-473-7265. To remain anonymous and possibly become eligible for a cash reward call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

**MARIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PIO LIEUTENANT DOUG PITTMAN WILL BE HOLDING A PRESS CONFERENCE FOR THOSE INTERESTED MEDIA OUTLETS ON FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015 AT 11:00am AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS FACILITY- 1600 LOS GAMOS DRIVE SUITE 200 SAN RAFAEL CA 94903**