OC Cheerleading Coach Sentenced to Up to Life in Prison for Abusing Young Girls
Orange County Cheerleading Coach Sentenced to Over 174 Years for Child Sexual Abuse
A 46-year-old cheerleading coach from Orange County has been sentenced to more than 174 years to life in prison for his conviction on multiple charges of child sexual abuse involving ten girls, with incidents dating back over two decades.
Erick Joseph Kristianson was found guilty in December on 23 felony counts of child sexual assault, with sentencing enhancements due to the number of victims and the severity of his actions. Orange County Superior Court Judge Kevin Haskins handed down a sentence of 174 years and four months to life, granting Kristianson 1,622 days of custody credits. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for life.
During the trial, several victims shared their traumatic experiences. One victim recounted how, at just 14 years old, she was manipulated into feeling special by Kristianson. “One minute I was the happiest I’ve ever been in love and the next moment, I was discarded,” she stated. The rejection led her to substance abuse and feelings of self-hatred.
Another victim expressed that the judicial process helped her begin to heal. In a written statement read in court, she noted that she forgave Kristianson but hoped he would one day feel remorse. Yet, the effects of the abuse linger for her, as she revealed ongoing trust issues, particularly with men. She spoke about using drugs and alcohol to cope and undergoing years of therapy.
“I experience thoughts and flashbacks,” she said, adding that these memories sometimes disrupted her daily life. She also mentioned struggles with body image and intimacy, stating, “Because of what happened, I have deep trust issues.” Her vigilance around her niece stems from her own lost childhood innocence.
Another victim, now a cheerleading coach and first responder, highlighted her commitment to preventing sexual abuse, despite her own traumatic history, including a difficult domestic violence relationship. “But my resiliency should not lead to leniency for the defendant,” she emphasized. She characterized Kristianson as a "monster" who chose to deceive others.
Another survivor described being targeted at a summer camp, feeling special due to Kristianson’s manipulation. After he abandoned her for a classmate, she dropped out of high school, later obtaining a GED. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed doubt about ever finding closure.
Kristianson’s mother, Kristin Kristianson, addressed the court, praying for the victims’ healing while acknowledging her son’s imperfections. She suggested that his actions were isolated incidents from his past and emphasized the belief in second chances. Kristianson himself maintained his innocence, claiming he never molested any of the girls and asserting that surveillance cameras were in place during his interactions with them.
The case, which drew significant attention, resurfaced when Kristianson was arrested in Florida in 2022. Deputy District Attorney Juliet Oliver noted that the victims had been living their lives until this recent arrest reignited their trauma.
