California Penal Code § 647.6(a)(1) makes it a crime to sexually annoy or molest any child under 18. No touching is required, but does require that a “normal person would unhesitatingly be irritated by” defendant’s conduct. The conduct must be motivated by “an unnatural or abnormal sexual interest or intent with respect to children.” Upon conviction for violating this statute, one must register for remainder of one’s life as a sex offender under Penal Code § 290.

Ronaldo Brandao, age 37 and a native of Brazil, sent numerous text messages to three different players on the Sonoma High School varsity soccer team. He was the team’s coach. One of the girls was just fifteen years old.

The text messages told her that she was beautiful and that he loved her. He also told the fifteen year old to keep his love for her a secret. Two other girls, ages sixteen and seventeen, reportedly had similar interactions with Brandao that made them feel uncomfortable.

Pursuant to a plea bargain in Sonoma County Superior Court, Brandao pled no contest to one count of violating Penal Code § 647.6(a)(1) as a misdemeanor. According to the plea, he was placed on three years of summary probation, ordered to complete a sexual counseling program and register as a sex offender under Penal Code § 290.