The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP is investigating potential civil claims on behalf of survivors who may have been sexually abused by former Orange County cheer coach Erick Joseph Kristianson.
On December 15, 2025, an Orange County jury convicted Kristianson of 23 felony counts involving the sexual abuse of 10 young cheer athletes, according to prosecutors.
If you or a loved one had contact with Kristianson through a cheer gym, school program, or other youth setting—whether in California or elsewhere—our team is available to listen, explain potential legal options, and help you understand whether you may have a viable civil claim. Consultations are free and confidential.
What Has Been Publicly Reported So Far
Public reporting and statements from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office describe allegations spanning the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, involving multiple youth settings and multiple victims.
Key details that have been reported include:
- Kristianson was convicted of 23 felony counts involving 10 victims, including charges described as lewd acts on minors and sexual penetration by foreign object.
- Prosecutors alleged victims ranged in age from 9 to 16.
- Authorities identified reported connections to Magic All-Stars and Trabuco Hills High School (Mission Viejo), as well as a South Orange County YMCA sleep-away camp (as a counselor).
- Public reporting also references other alleged incidents and/or criminal matters outside California, including in Kansas and Florida.
- Sentencing in the Orange County case is scheduled for March 19, 2026, in Santa Ana.
What the Conviction Means — and Why Civil Cases Are Different
Kristianson’s December 15, 2025 conviction is a major development because it reflects a jury finding, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he committed serious felony sex offenses involving multiple minors. But criminal cases are designed to punish the offender (prison and supervision). They do not determine whether survivors are entitled to compensation for the harm they suffered.
A civil case is separate. It focuses on accountability and financial recovery—and in cases involving youth athletics and cheer settings, it can also examine whether an institution’s failures enabled access to minors or allowed misconduct to continue.
Depending on the facts, civil claims may involve questions such as:
- What legal options exist outside the criminal courtroom?
- Can I pursue compensation even if the abuse happened years ago?
- Could there be responsible parties besides Kristianson, such as a gym, school program, camp, or other youth organization?
- How did Kristianson gain and keep access to athletes over time?
- Were red flags, complaints, or boundary violations missed or ignored?
- Were supervision, athlete-safety policies, and reporting procedures adequate and actually followed?
This is where civil cases can differ most from criminal cases: they’re not only about what the offender did, but whether the people and organizations responsible for athlete safety failed to protect those in their care.
Do I Have a Claim?
You may be eligible to pursue a civil claim if any of the following are true (even if you’re unsure what “counts”):
- You were abused or groomed by Erick Joseph Kristianson in any setting (practice, private training, travel, competitions, off-campus outings, etc.).
- You knew him through a cheer gym, school cheer program, youth camp, or similar organization.
- You were contacted by law enforcement, prosecutors, or a school/organization about Kristianson (or believe you may be connected to the investigation).
- You were a minor at the time, and the abuse happened years (or decades) ago.
- You believe adults or institutions enabled access, failed to supervise, or ignored warning signs.
- You never reported at the time, or only disclosed to someone recently.
- You’re dealing with lasting impacts—anxiety, depression, trauma responses, relationship harm, or disruptions to school, athletics, or career.
Deadlines vary by state and depend on specific facts. In many jurisdictions, including California, survivors may still have options even when the abuse occurred long ago, so it’s worth getting a confidential legal review.
What Compensation Can Include
Civil claims may seek compensation for the real-world consequences survivors often carry for years, including:
- Therapy and mental health treatment (past and future)
- Pain and suffering / emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Educational or career impacts
- Other related financial losses
Every case is different. The point of a consultation is to evaluate what applies to your circumstances and what paths may be available.
Call For a FREE & Confidential consultation: (800) 477-2989
If you believe you were harmed by Erick Joseph Kristianson, or you suspect your experience may be connected, our team at The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP can help.
As one of the nation’s most trusted and respected sexual abuse firms, we’ve dedicated over 20 years to fighting on behalf of survivors in high-stakes cases. Our record includes victories against powerful institutions and millions of dollars in compensation recovered for survivors.
Call (800) 477-2989 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.
