SoCal school psychologist thought he was meeting a 13-year-old, authorities say. It was a sting

March 18, 2026 - 10:58

A school psychologist from the Inland Empire is in custody after allegedly attempting to meet a minor for illicit purposes. Paul Ryan Coleman, a 46-year-old resident of Yucaipa, was taken into arrest this past Tuesday.

The arrest culminated a three-month-long investigation conducted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. According to official reports, Coleman believed he was communicating online with a 13-year-old child. These digital conversations, which authorities state were explicit in nature, ultimately led to a planned in-person meeting.

Upon arriving at the predetermined location, Coleman was instead met by undercover law enforcement officers. The individual he believed to be a child was part of a proactive sting operation targeting online predators. Coleman was subsequently arrested at the scene without incident.

He now faces serious felony charges related to the attempted exploitation of a minor. Coleman's role as a school psychologist, a position dedicated to student welfare and safety, has amplified community concern. He is currently being held in lieu of bail as the legal proceedings begin. The sheriff's department has commended the operation as a critical effort in protecting vulnerable children from online threats.