Youth Coach Hinojosa Admits to Exploiting Teen

McALLEN, Texas – A predator in cleats. Oscar Hinojosa, a former youth soccer coach in McAllen, Texas, has confessed to the horrific sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old girl, admitting to grooming and coercing her into sending explicit images. The revelation, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery, paints a chilling picture of abuse of trust and power.

According to court documents, Hinojosa began communicating with the victim in March 2020, while acting as her soccer coach. Over the following year, he systematically cultivated a manipulative relationship, showering her with unwanted affections and ultimately declaring his sexual desire. The abuse escalated with Hinojosa directing the minor to send sexually-explicit photos of herself, a demand she tragically complied with on multiple occasions.

The depravity didn’t stop there. Investigators uncovered evidence that Hinojosa attempted to replicate this predatory behavior with another female player on his team. While unsuccessful in establishing a similar relationship, he still expressed romantic and inappropriate feelings toward her, demonstrating a clear pattern of grooming and exploitation. Hinojosa’s actions underscore a disturbing abuse of his position of authority and the vulnerability of young athletes.

Adding another layer to the case, authorities confirmed that Hinojosa is not a U.S. citizen and was illegally residing in Pharr, Texas, at the time of the offenses. His immigration status is now irrelevant as he faces severe federal consequences for his actions. The Mission Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations jointly conducted the investigation that brought Hinojosa to justice.

U.S. District Judge Alvarez accepted Hinojosa’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for March 18, 2022. He now faces up to 30 years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending that hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colton T. Turner is leading the prosecution.

This case was brought forth as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual abuse. PSC unites federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute perpetrators like Hinojosa, and to rescue and support victims. Those seeking information about PSC or internet safety resources can find them at DOJ’s PSC page and the resources tab on that page.