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Cheer coach sentenced for sex crimes against girls

A one-time cheer coach from Federal Way was sentenced to six months in prison on Friday for sex crimes against girls.

Jeffrey Mendoza, 36, pleaded guilty on Sept. 15 to two counts of communication with a minor for immoral purposes and second-degree assault with intent to commit sexual exploitation of a minor, according to a Federal Bureau of Investigation release.

According to court documents, Mendoza worked at Celebrity Cheer Unlimited in Auburn several years ago.

In 2018, Mendoza lured some of his students to a rental property with the promise of taking modeling photos but pressured them either into removing their clothes or wearing sheer lingerie, posing for sexually explicit photographs, according to FBI officials.

In the release, it states, “Mendoza also verbally abused, intimidated, and humiliated the victims in front of others if they were not compliant.”

The victims complied because they were afraid of him, officials said. However, Mendoza’s victims came forward, bringing him to justice.

The FBI saluted the victims for providing impact statements to the court and their bravery throughout the investigation.

“This cheer coach exploited his position of trust and leadership to cause long-lasting harm to the children in his care,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald M. Voiret of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office. “Due to the hard work of our team at FBI Seattle, Washington State Patrol, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney, this predator will be held accountable for his actions and be identified as a sex offender.”

Mendoza will have to register as a sex offender once he gets out of prison and comply with other conditions.