Sunnyside High coach on leave; police investigate ‘inappropriate photo’

A 52-year-old junior varsity girls soccer coach at Sunnyside High School was under investigation in connection with an “inappropriate photo” allegedly sent to team members, Fresno police reported.

He was identified as Jeffrey Shaffer, 52. Fresno Unified School District officials reported that Shaffer was placed on leave after the incident was disclosed.

Police Sgt. Israel Reyes said an investigation was launched after students reached out to another coach at the school to report that they had received the photo. School officials contacted the school resources police officer, who in turn contacted a sexual assault detective.

Reyes said there were no other reported incidents connected to Shaffer. Detectives are attempting to contact team members over the holiday vacation.

The sergeant said the investigation would likely be turned over to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

This story was originally published December 20, 2019 at 10:11 AM.