This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

Swim Instructor Pleads Not Guilty

A judge bars Todd Sousa from being in the presence of girls between the ages of 14 and 18.

Todd Robert Sousa,  for allegedly raping one of his students, was barred Friday from being in the presence of any girl between ages 14 and 18 unless they are immediate family.

Irvine resident Sousa, 36, was arraigned Friday, entering a plea of not guilty .

On Friday, prosecutors urged Orange County District Court Judge Stephanie George to keep Sousa away from anyone under age 18, but that motion was denied.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The judge ordered Sousa not to contact his alleged victims in any way, “not by verbal, technological, Facebook or go through anybody else."

Prosecutors say that at the time of the alleged crimes, Sousa co-owned and taught swim classes for Swim Venture, a South Orange County-based swim school that offered lessons at leased pools for children and adults throughout the county. Sousa was arrested at, where according to the aquatics director, Sousa was teaching a swim team for Aquazots, which rents the JSerra pool for several hours a day.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Although Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Walker said additional victims might come forward, Judge George declined to increase Sousa's bail to $150,000, stating she thought $100,000 was an “appropriate amount.” But if additional victims start surfacing, there will be "a change of circumstances," the judge added.

Sousa has been out of jail since posting bail Feb. 26. If the judge had complied with Walker's request, Sousa would have had to post the increased amount, or go back to jail.

Sousa is currently living with his parents in North Tustin.

The quick arraignment concluded with him quietly stating “yes” when asked if he understood the judge's instructions.

After the hearing, the deputy district attorney reiterated her belief more victims might be out there and urged them to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Lou Gutierrez at 714-347-8794. 

Sousa's pre-trial date was set for May 13, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 10.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.