Police say the ex–varsity coach was booked into Monterey County Jail after an investigation into alleged grooming and lewd conduct.
PACIFIC GROVE, CA — A former Pacific Grove High School girls’ varsity basketball coach was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of sexual misconduct with a student, police said. Marquis Pickrom, 37, was taken into custody and booked Sunday at the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of sexual assault of a minor under 18 and annoying or molesting a child.
Authorities said the arrest follows a months-long investigation into reports that the coach groomed a teenage girl connected to the school. Pickrom previously served as a campus supervisor and head coach of the girls’ team. Police said the conduct under review spans August 2023 through October 2025, when the student was between 16 and 18 years old. The case has been forwarded to county prosecutors for review. District officials said the coach is no longer working in the school system. The arrest has drawn concern among parents and students in the small coastal community known for its tight-knit school programs and long-running athletics traditions.
Police said they were notified last year and opened a formal investigation in September 2025. According to a summary of the case, the student told investigators the coach “gave her special attention” and “made personal and romantic comments” during the period in question. Detectives said an incident in July 2025 involved a kiss and sexual touching. The girl is enrolled at Pacific Grove High School. Officers arrested Pickrom during the weekend sweep and transported him to the county jail for booking. The current custody status and bail information were not immediately available. A police spokesperson said additional details may be released after prosecutors decide which charges to file.
Investigators said the girl’s account was supported by interviews and materials gathered since the fall. The school district cooperated with requests for records and access to campus areas as detectives reconstructed timelines and contact points, according to police. Officials said Pickrom’s role with the girls’ program ended before the arrest; the district acknowledged he had been removed from duties while the case was examined. Police did not identify other potential victims and said none have been confirmed at this time. The department said it would review any additional tips that come in as word of the arrest spreads. The victim’s name is being withheld because she is a minor.
Public records and prior announcements show Pacific Grove High fields a small roster in girls’ basketball, with coaches often serving in multiple campus roles. The alleged conduct spans two school years, including the 2023–24 season and the start of 2025–26. Pacific Grove, a city of about 15,000 on the Monterey Peninsula, has seen few high-profile criminal cases involving school staff in recent years. The arrest arrives amid broader statewide attention on educator-student boundaries and reporting requirements. California law treats sexual contact between an adult school employee and a student as a serious offense, and districts typically place staff on leave and notify authorities when allegations surface.
Police said reports reached the department at some point in 2025, prompting detectives to begin interviews in September. After compiling statements and evidence through winter, officers sought approval to arrest Pickrom on suspicion of crimes that include sexual assault of a minor under 18 and annoying or molesting a child. Prosecutors with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office are reviewing the arrest report to determine formal charges and court dates. If charges are filed, an initial appearance would take place in Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas. As of Tuesday, no hearing date had been posted on the public docket. The district said it would continue cooperating with law enforcement.
Outside the high school on Monday, a handful of parents waited near the gym as players filtered out of practice. Some described disbelief and frustration. “You send your kid to school to learn and play sports. It’s hard to hear,” said Maria Alvarez, whose daughter plays in a local youth league. A senior who said she knew the alleged victim from class described the campus mood as “quiet but shaken.” A neighbor near the school said patrol cars were visible in recent days as families asked questions. The police spokesperson said detectives have been mindful of student privacy while confirming timelines and roles.
Police said they expect to provide a brief update when the district attorney announces charging decisions. If a filing occurs this week, a probable cause statement and a list of counts could be released, along with any bail conditions. If prosecutors request more investigation, detectives plan additional interviews and a review of digital communications referenced in the case summary. For now, the former coach remains the only person named in connection with the allegations, and officials say the student is receiving support through established school resources.
Author note: Last updated February 3, 2026.