Cal Poly instructor and former high school teacher arrested for contacting minor for sexual purposes

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested 38-year-old Kevin Coulombe of San Luis Obispo on Feb. 18, 2026, as part of an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Detectives served a search warrant in the city of San Luis Obispo on Feb. 18 and, as a result, arrested Coulombe on multiple charges, including contacting a minor with the intent to have sex and arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual purposes, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators executed additional search warrants at Coulombe’s residence, his vehicle, and at Cal Poly, where the Sheriff’s Office said he is employed as an instructor.

Cal Poly’s website lists Coulombe as an Instructional Support Technician in the university’s Physics Department.

The Sheriff’s Office also said Coulombe previously worked as a teacher at San Luis Obispo High School and at Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, California.

“This investigation is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s continued effort to serve and protect San Luis Obispo County and to proactively target those who victimize the most vulnerable members of our community,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

No victim information was released. The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Detective Division at 805-781-4500.