by Huntington Beach, California – A former Orange County youth soccer coach and referee has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child pornography involving two young victims, including one under his supervision, federal prosecutors announced.
Ex-Soccer Coach Admitted to Exploiting Two Young Girls
Mark Phillip Oster, 65, of Huntington Beach, pleaded guilty last year in Los Angeles federal court to one count of production of child pornography. Prosecutors said Oster used his position of trust as a coach and referee with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to exploit minors both locally and abroad.
According to his plea agreement, Oster admitted to hiding a camera in a private area where he knew a girl under his care would disrobe, and to coercing another child, a 13-year-old girl living overseas, to send him nude photographs. He also convinced the second victim’s mother to assist in taking and sending the images in exchange for money and gifts.
“The girl was vulnerable on account of her poverty,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Child Pornography Shared Online and Stored in Cloud
Court records show that Oster posted images of child pornography on a dark web forum dedicated to child sexual exploitation. On that site, he reportedly shared knowledge about how such material was produced in the Philippines and offered details about child sex trafficking in Southeast Asia.
Authorities said Oster also shared illicit images via Facebook and Skype, and stored child pornography in Google Photos and on hard drives seized from his home in March and August 2021. Those hard drives contained numerous images he personally produced with a victim under the age of 12.
“Oster’s crimes reflect a disturbing abuse of power and position,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.
Years of Abuse and Federal Indictment
Oster’s involvement with AYSO spanned from 2015 to 2021, during which time he held various roles including coach and referee. His crimes came to light following an FBI investigation that uncovered his extensive digital footprint linking him to online forums and communication platforms where he shared illegal content.
In August 2021, federal authorities indicted Oster on four counts — including two counts of production, one count of distribution, and one count of possession of child pornography.
As part of his plea deal, Oster acknowledged that he not only created and distributed explicit material involving minors but also offered guidance to other predators online about exploiting children abroad.
Read Also: Man Convicted in Ventura County for Repeated Abuse of Two Young Relatives
Federal Judge Hands Down Maximum Sentence
At Tuesday’s sentencing, a federal judge imposed the maximum 30-year prison term, calling Oster’s actions “a calculated and prolonged pattern of predation that exploited the most vulnerable.”
Federal prosecutors emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting that Oster had used his community standing as a youth coach to gain access to children while simultaneously participating in a global network of exploitation.
“This case underscores the commitment of federal law enforcement to protect children, both in the United States and internationally, from predators who abuse positions of trust,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Justice for Victims
Both of Oster’s victims are now receiving counseling and support through federal victim assistance programs. Prosecutors said the case highlights the growing challenges of AI, digital sharing platforms, and dark web forums that enable predators to operate across borders.
Oster will serve his 30-year sentence in federal prison with no possibility of parole, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
What are your thoughts on how federal laws should handle online exploitation cases like this? Share your opinions at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
