Torrance wrestling coach accused of molesting 25 athletes

TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Torrance High School teacher and wrestling coach was arrested on molesting 25 student athletes on his team.

Thomas Joseph Snider, 47, pleaded not guilty to 33 felony counts of lewd acts on a child and eight misdemeanor counts of child molesting. His bail was set at $900,000.

The victims ranged in age from 13 to 16, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Most of the alleged acts occurred at the school between September 2013 and February.

Snider turned himself into detectives Wednesday morning. The investigation began in January "after allegations of sexual misconduct had been made by several students," Torrance police Sgt. Paul Kranke said.

Snider was placed on administrative leave as police investigated. He is due back in court Monday for a bail review hearing.

If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of more than 37 years in state prison.