Bay Area swimming instructor arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting children

Berkeley police detectives opened an investigation last week after parents expressed concerns about the 25-year-old suspect’s interactions with their children.

BERKELEY — A Bay Area swimming instructor has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a number of young children, according to police.

So far, Berkeley police have identified five victims, all boys under 10 who live in Berkeley and neighboring cities, authorities said in a statement Thursday.

Investigators believe there are more victims.

Detectives launched an investigation last week after parents voiced concerns about 25-year-old Tyler Livingston’s interactions with their children, police said.

On Thursday, detectives served search and arrest warrants at an Emeryville address associated with Livingston, who was ultimately taken into custody without further incident.

Police said the search warrant of the residence revealed evidence about the alleged crimes being investigated, along with the recovery of an unregistered firearm and a controlled substance.

Livingston has worked as a swimming instructor in the Bay Area over the past several years and may have spent some time as a substitute teacher, according to police.

“While the investigation into these cases is still ongoing, we recognize that there may be more victims that have not yet come forward,” police said.

Police did not provide a list of locations where Livingston taught.

He was booked at Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of several crimes, including continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, oral copulation with a child under the age of 10, sexual penetration by force, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under age 14, and firearm and drug counts. He is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail and is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Monday.

Police urged potential victims to contact the Police Department’s Youth Services Unit at 510-981-5715.